Mount Asterousia (Kofinas), Crete (1073)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Asterousia Ori (Kofinas)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 34.9667, Longitude: 25.0833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 600 to 1230
Area of KBA (km2): 286.64555
Protected area coverage (%): 98.16
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A coastal mountain dominated by phrygana, with a small Pinus woodland. Human activities include arable agriculture, livestock-farming and hunting.
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 breeding raptors and species associated with open, rocky upland areas.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | tourism/recreation (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 40 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from the construction of roads and illegal housing. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.