Patmos island and surrounding islets (1109)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Nisos Patmos kai nisides
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.3333, Longitude: 26.5667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 243
Area of KBA (km2): 27.92566
Protected area coverage (%): 3.54
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site consists of rocky hills, overgrazed scrub, steep rocky beaches, several islets and two temporary wetlands. The major part of the area belongs to the Monastery of Patmos.
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. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Larus audouinii (up to 5 breeding pairs).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%) | military (10%) | not utilised (10%) | tourism/recreation (10%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 70 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 15 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats to the site are from tourism developments and disturbance from tourism. The wetlands are threatened by infilling. Introduced rats and cats are a threat. A LIFE project on `The conservation of Larus audouinii' has been carried out.