Lakes Montepulciano and Chiusi (2764)
Italy, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Laghi di Montepulciano e Chiusi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.0667, Longitude: 11.9667
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 248 to 253
Area of KBA (km2): 21.35294
Protected area coverage (%): 52.63
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Two freshwater lakes, 15 km east of the village of Montepulciano. The lakes are surrounded by extensive reedbeds, cultivated land and small broadleaved woodlands, and there are also some small artificial ponds called Vasche di Dolciano. Lake water-levels fluctuate greatly during the year.
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: An important area for breeding Ixobrychus minutus, wintering Phalacrocorax carbo, and for a mixed heronry at Lago di Chiusi. Herons and cormorants roost at Vasche di Dolciano. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (1-2 pairs breed, max. 4 in winter).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | hunting (60%) | nature conservation and research (40%) | tourism/recreation (20%) | water management (70%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 35 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 65 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are: the lack of management of the fluctuating water-levels (`Other' threat, above); water pollution from surrounding cultivated areas; disturbance of birds by hunting in the surroundings; burning of vegetation. Some or all of the site is covered by a management plan. There is a LIPU reserve covering part of Lake Montepucliano. A LIFE-supported project at Lake Montepulciano for conservation of Aythya nyroca and Botaurus stellaris.