Mesolongi and Aitoliko lagoons, Acheloos delta and Evinos estuary (1040)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Limnothalasses Mesolongiou kai Aitolikou, delta Acheloou kai ekvoles Evinou
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.3333, Longitude: 21.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 450
Area of KBA (km2): 468.61435
Protected area coverage (%): 94.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A wetland complex with lagoons, saltpans (`Other' land-use, below), extensive saltmarshes, freshwater marshes, sandbanks, and a remnant area of alluvial forest.
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 is an important site for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds and raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Phalacrocorax pygmeus (wintering), Pelecanus crispus (10 wintering individuals), Aythya nyroca (passage), Haliaeetus albicilla (wintering), Aegypius monachus (wintering), Aquila clanga (wintering), Aquila heliaca (2 resident individuals), Gallinago media (passage). The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis (including Anas penelope 10,000; Anas crecca 3,000; Anas clypeata 3,000; Fulica atra 15,500).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture (50%) | forestry | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 7 | |
| Shrubland | 8 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 43 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 43 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat to the site is from intensive agriculture and associated drainage and water management schemes. The completed diversion of the Evinas river and the current project to divert the Acheloos river are also major threats. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.