Ulcinj saltpans (117)
Montenegro, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Ulcinjska solane
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.9167, Longitude: 19.3000
System: terrestrial, marine
Elevation (m): 0 to 3
Area of KBA (km2): 14.52694
Protected area coverage (%): 99.70
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Ulcinj Salina is situated in the Delta of the River Bojana, approximately 1 km from the town of Ulcinj and the Albanian border. It was once a lagoon and wetland area, now transformed into a salt-pan system. The site spans 1,450 hectares and is separated from the sea by Velika Plaža and from the river Bojana by a natural riverbank, reinforced by artificial embankments. The saline environment has been shaped by sea and river influences.
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Delineation rationale: Digitised using Google Earth, based on Digitized in Google Earth at BirdLife International based on Directory description
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: The site is predominantly composed of salt marshes (98%), with small areas of inland marshes (<1%) and pastures (<1%). Halophyte vegetation, reed beds, and ruderal vegetation are characteristic of the salina. These habitats provide essential conditions for various species of waterbirds, particularly during migration and wintering periods. The site’s ecological significance is heightened by the presence of unique vegetation communities that are rare in Montenegro.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | 99 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Ulcinj Salina faces several threats, including land management abandonment, which is causing the conversion of saltwater and brackish habitats into freshwater ones. This change could impact the species that depend on saline conditions. Illegal hunting and disturbance from human activities also pose significant threats to the bird populations. While long-term efforts have been made to conserve the site, challenges remain in its management, particularly regarding its official designation and control.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: Rubinić, B., Sackl, P. and Gramatikov, M., 2019. Conserving of wild birds in Montenegro. The first inventory of potential Special Protection Areas in Montenegro. AAM Consulting, Budapest. xiii.
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership