South forest complex of Evros prefecture (1161)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Notio dasiko symplegma Nomou Evrou
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.9667, Longitude: 25.9167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 20 to 950
Area of KBA (km2): 680.76884
Protected area coverage (%): 47.17
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A forest complex at the south-eastern end of the Rodopi mountain. It is characterized by low hills covered with Quercus, Caprinus, Fraxinus and Acer woodland and scrub. Fagus forest dominates the northern area; Pinus forest and plantations occur in the south. Small wetlands are also found in the area.
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: This is an important site for breeding and wintering raptors and other resident species associated with forest. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species that are restricted in Europe to the Mediterranean biome (when breeding). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (breeding), Falco naumanni.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (30%) | forestry (70%) | military (10%) | tourism/recreation (5%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 6 | |
| Forest | 54 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 22 | |
| Shrubland | 6 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from afforestation with plantations, forest grazing and increasingly intensive forest management. The site is a candidate SAC.