Echinades, Kalamos and Atokos islands (1110)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Nisoi Echinades, Kalamos, Atokos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.5000, Longitude: 20.9333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 745
Area of KBA (km2): 365.99977
Protected area coverage (%): 36.22
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of 25 small islands close to the mainland Akarnanika mountains and the Acheloos estuary-Mesolongi wetland area. The islands are predominantly covered with scrub or bare rock. However, some are wooded including Kalamos and Petala. The main human activities are livestock-farming and tourism.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The site is particularly important for breeding and wintering raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus (non-breeding), Aquila clanga (1-4 wintering individuals), Aquila heliaca (1-2 wintering individuals).
Delineation rationale: 2012-12-17 (BL Secretariat): site area updated from 4700 ha to 36600 ha after addition of seaward extension to the site in October 2012 for the Marine eAtlas.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (60%) | not utilised (20%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 10 | |
| Marine Neritic | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Illegal hunting and tourist developments are the major threats. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.