Diaccia Botrona (2765)
Italy, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Diaccia Botrona
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.7833, Longitude: 10.9167
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1 to 1
Area of KBA (km2): 42.48352
Protected area coverage (%): 83.86
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A large wetland on the Tyrrhenian coast, close to the village of Castglione della Pescaia, that was formerly freshwater but which is now becoming brackish due to seawater inflow. The main habitats are large reedbeds, open water, and a small coniferous wood. On the southern and eastern borders are present large areas of cultivated fields on reclaimed land. The main land-use is nature conservation.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: An important site for wintering and migrating waterbirds (more than 15,000), for breeding Botaurus stellaris, and for Numenius tenuirostris in winter and on passage. There is a heronry in the wood. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (max. 2, winter).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (3%) | nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 23 | |
| Marine Neritic | 30 | |
| Shrubland | 2 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 33 | |
| Forest | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat is from aquaculture, which is causing saltwater intrusion along the southern border of the site. Some or all of the site is covered by a management plan.