Akarnanika mountains (1039)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Ori Akarnanika
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.7500, Longitude: 21.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1589
Area of KBA (km2): 427.12276
Protected area coverage (%): 29.13
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountain range extending from Amvrakikos gulf to the north of the Acheloos plain. The site is dominated by open Quercus forests, maquis and phrygana. Human activities include livestock-farming, arable agriculture, and aquaculture/fishing.
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: This is an important site for species characteristic of open montane habitats. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Mediterranean biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (1-4 breeding pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (85%) | fisheries/aquaculture (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Shrubland | 50 | |
| Marine Neritic | 5 | |
| Forest | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The Quercus forest is threatened by heavy grazing pressure which is preventing regeneration. Harbour facilities in the south-western section of the IBA may be developed into an oil refinery.