Spercheios valley and delta and Maliakos gulf (1142)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Koilada kai delta Spercheiou kai Maliakos Kolpos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.8500, Longitude: 22.5333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1000
Area of KBA (km2): 281.35929
Protected area coverage (%): 96.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site contains the estuary of the Sperchios river, an area of extensive saltmarshes and reedbeds (Phragmites). Along the river is a mosaic of riverine forest, wet grassland and freshwater marsh.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This is an important area for species characteristic of riverine forest, reedbed and open water. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Phalacrocorax pygmeus (passage, wintering), Aquila clanga (wintering), Falco naumanni (breeding). The site regularly holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter (including Anas crecca 4,250; Recurvirostra avosetta 1,310).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 18 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 18 | |
| Shrubland | 10 | |
| Marine Neritic | 30 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 18 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from agricultural expansion, drainage and infrastructure developments. Part of the riverine forest within the SPA has been cleared as a result of European Union funded flood-control work. The area is a candidate SAC.