Etang de Biguglia (2251)
France, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Etang de Biguglia
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.6000, Longitude: 9.4667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 3
Area of KBA (km2): 19.91232
Protected area coverage (%): 92.11
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A shallow, brackish lagoon with aquatic vegetation, reedbeds (Phragmites) and riparian woodlands.
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: The site holds 20,000 or more waterbirds in winter, on a regular basis (including Aythya ferina 4,800; Aythya fuligula 4,500; Fulica atra 9,000 individuals). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (1-10 wintering individuals); Larus audouinii (1-10 passage individuals).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Industrial and agricultural pollution, originating outside the site, are the main threats. Also there is considerable hunting pressure, including illegal hunting in the vicinity. A reintroduction project for Oxyura leucocephala is being carried out under a LIFE contract.