Gallikos estuary and Kalochori lagoon (1144)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Ekvoles Gallikou kai limnothalassa Kalochoriou
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.6333, Longitude: 22.8500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 18.4953
Protected area coverage (%): 88.98
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A coastal delta, with salt and freshwater marshes and lagoons.
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 breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds and other passage migrants. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Pelecanus crispus (passage), Aythya nyroca (passage), Aquila clanga (wintering).
Delineation rationale: 2014-12-11 (Marguerite Tarzia) corrected spelling of site name (national and international) based on Partner input. Original names: Ekvoles Gallikou kai Limnothalassa Kalohoriou; Gallikos estuary and Kalohori lagoon
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 5 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 35 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Marine Neritic | 20 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 35 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Rubbish dumping (`Other' threats, above) and infilling threaten the important Kalohori lagoon which is also threatened by effluent discharges from nearby industries. The centre of the wetland is also threatened by the expansion of livestock farms. There are plans for the construction of a racecourse in the area.