Koufonisi island, Crete (1164)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Nisos Koufonisi Kritis
Central coordinates: Latitude: 34.9333, Longitude: 26.1333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 64
Area of KBA (km2): 4.75965
Protected area coverage (%): 98.77
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A small island and adjacent islets off south-eastern Crete. Dry grassland is the dominant vegetation cover. Human activities include fishing and tourism, although there are no permanent inhabitants on the island.
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: This is an important site for breeding raptors associated with coastal areas and seabirds.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (5%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 15 | |
| Grassland | 70 | |
| Marine Neritic | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from increasing tourism and more intensive fishing. The area is a candidate SAC.