Lake Kastoria (1018)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Limni Kastorias
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.5167, Longitude: 21.3000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 620 to 620
Area of KBA (km2): 37.93051
Protected area coverage (%): 98.41
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An inland freshwater lake with the town of Kastoria on its shore. Around the north-western part of the lake an area of riverine forest remains.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: An important foraging area for Pelecanus crispus. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (passage).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (20%) | fisheries/aquaculture | tourism/recreation (30%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 57 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 29 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Grassland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The remaining riverine forest is threatened by agricultural expansion and road building. The lake water is polluted by agricultural run-off and sewerage from Kastoria. Tourist facilities are likely to expand in the future. The site has an Environmental Education Centre. A management plan is under preparation. The area is a candidate SAC.