Paralimni Lake (24487)
Cyprus, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Paralimni Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.0373, Longitude: 33.9668
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 65 to 75
Area of KBA (km2): 3.53229
Protected area coverage (%): 77.07
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Paralimni Lake is a highly seasonal natural wetland in the Famagusta district that retains significant bird interest, but could with little doubt be of even greater importance given more protection and sympathetic management. The site suffers seriously from disturbance. It is among the ‘top 5’ breeding sites for the Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) and is also significant for breeding Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus). Other breeding species are Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), while the wetland is also a notable migration site for both wetland and other species.
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.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 90 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 10 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (unknown use) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Hellicar, M.A., Anastasi, V., Beton, D. & Snape, R. (2014). Important Bird Areas of Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.