Kalamas delta (1034)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Delta Kalama
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.5333, Longitude: 20.1833
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 509
Area of KBA (km2): 56.18785
Protected area coverage (%): 98.96
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site comprises a canal with a delta of mudflats, saltmarshes, and lagoons. Two low hills are covered with dense scrub. Much of the area has been reclaimed for arable farming.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This site is important for breeding, passage and overwintering waterbirds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (passage, wintering), Haliaeetus albicilla (wintering), Aquila heliaca (wintering), Gallinago media (passage).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (75%) | fisheries/aquaculture (10%) | tourism/recreation (5%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%) | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 15 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 15 | |
| Shrubland | 18 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 48 | |
| Marine Neritic | 4 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats come from habitat destruction and water pollution as a result of expanding intensive agriculture, road construction, over-grazing and hunting. The area is a candidate SAC.