Lake Ohrid (126)
North Macedonia, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2016
National site name: Ohridsko Ezero
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.0558, Longitude: 20.7258
Elevation (m): 695 to 950
Area of KBA (km2): 247.57989
Protected area coverage (%): 99.87
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large inland freshwater lake in a mountain basin, part of which is in Albania (see Albanian site 002).
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. KBA identified in the CEPF Ecosystem Profile of the Mediterranean Hotspot (2017). Taxonomy, nomenclature and global threat category follow the 2016 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: No data are available for breeding season. The International Waterfowl Census counts (in the Macedonian sector) in winter 1987 and 1988 recorded (1988 data unless stated) Tachybaptus ruficollis (1,090), Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (70), P. aristotelis (10), Cygnus olor (100 in 1987), Aythya ferina (7,050), A. fuligula (2,200) and Fulica atra (32,100).
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 98 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 1 | |
| Forest | 1 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: With an age of 2-4 million years, this is one of the most ancient lakes in the world, harbouring many endemic species among its aquatic fauna.