Mount Ymittos (1123)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Oros Ymittos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.9333, Longitude: 23.8000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 1100
Area of KBA (km2): 81.04194
Protected area coverage (%): 97.93
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous massif between Athens and the Mesogia plain. Much of the area consists of rocky slopes with phrygana and other scrub. The western area of the site is a Pinus plantation, now regenerating naturally.
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: The site is particularly important for species associated with phrygana. Breeding birds include seven of the 21 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Mediterranean biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (passage).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | not utilised | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 33 | |
| Forest | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The major threat to the area is the expansion of urban and industrial developments and their associated infrastructure. Fires are also a frequent problem. The area is a candidate SAC.