Oroklini Lake (24490)
Cyprus, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Oroklini Lake
Central coordinates: Latitude: 34.9667, Longitude: 33.6520
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1 to 15
Area of KBA (km2): 0.93133
Protected area coverage (%): 60.63
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A small but significant brackish wetland in the Larnaca district, Oroklini Lake has notably high breeding numbers of both Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus). The natural wetland is also significant for breeding Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus). The marsh - a precious remnant of what were historically far more extensive seasonal wetlands -is also an important migration site for many wetland and other species, and hosts locally rare breeders such as Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) and Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina). Oroklini Lake is the only known breeding site for the last 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 | 54 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 46 |
Additional information
References: Hellicar, M.A., Anastasi, V., Beton, D. & Snape, R. (2014). Important Bird Areas of Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.