Mount Vardousia (1041)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Oros Vardousia
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.6667, Longitude: 22.1333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 2437
Area of KBA (km2): 243.86577
Protected area coverage (%): 99.80
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A rugged mountain with an extensive alpine zone, limited Abies woodland, and extensive grasslands. The main human activity is livestock-farming.
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 site for resident raptors, forest and alpine grassland.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (70%) | hunting | not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 30 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 18 | |
| Shrubland | 9 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 4 | |
| Forest | 38 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are illegal hunting and the use of poison baits. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.