Stagnone di Marsala and Trapani saltpans (2834)
Italy, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.7833, Longitude: 12.5000
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 7
Area of KBA (km2): 48.69083
Protected area coverage (%): 70.16
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of brackish wetlands (Stagnone di Marsala), saltpans (Saline di Trapani) and islets (Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala) along the west coast of Sicily, south of the town of Trapani. The Stagnone di Marsala is one of the last remaining lagoons in Sicily. It measures 10 km (north-south) by 3 km. It has an average depth of 1 m (maximum is only 2.5 m). The principal vegetation is bushes of Salicornia and Salsola, whilst the surrounding areas are largely agricultural. The Saline di Trapani are north of the lagoon and comprise a complex of saltpans at the mouth of the Baiata river. The main land-uses are salt extraction and agriculture.
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 site for wintering and migrating waterbirds and for breeding waders and terns. Over 21,000 waders have been recorded passing through the area in spring.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | fisheries/aquaculture (30%) | nature conservation and research (84%) | urban/industrial/transport (30%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 1 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 21 | |
| Forest | 1 | |
| Marine Oceanic | 57 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from illegal hunting and from the water-level management associated with salt-extraction and fishing. Some or all of the site is covered by a management plan.