Tymfi (Gkamila) and Smolikas mountains (1025)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Oros Tymfi (Gkamila) kai oros Smolikas
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.0333, Longitude: 20.8333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 2637
Area of KBA (km2): 539.79612
Protected area coverage (%): 97.41
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A remote mountain range crossed by the Rivers Aoos and Voidomatis. The site is dominated by broadleaved, conifer and mixed forests and extensive subalpine grasslands at higher altitudes. Human activities include forestry, stock-raising, hunting and recreation.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: This is an important site for breeding raptors, alpine and forest species. Breeding birds include four of the 10 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Eurasian high-montane biome.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | forestry (40%) | tourism/recreation (20%) | water management (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Forest | 60 | |
| Grassland | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from plans for large-scale tourism development, existing water management schemes and hunting. A number of conservation and development studies have been conducted. A management plan exists. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.