Biviere and Plain of Gela (2876)
Italy, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Biviere e Piana di Gela
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.0167, Longitude: 14.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 412.02723
Protected area coverage (%): 51.80
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A complex of coastal brackish lakes, in the south of Sicily, separated from the sea by sand-dunes. There are large reedbeds and beds of submerged waterweed (Potamogeton, Ceratophyllum). The main land-uses are grazing, water management and nature conservation.
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: The site is important for migrating waterbirds, especially Aythya nyroca (also breeds, min. 3 pairs), herons, Plegadis falcinellus, Platalea leucorodia, and waders.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%) | nature conservation and research (50%) | water management (50%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 1 | |
| Other | 1 | |
| Marine Oceanic | 54 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 1 | |
| Shrubland | 3 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 35 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are the infilling of wetlands, the unsuitable water management at Biviere di Gela (`Other' threat), and industrialization and infrastructure development at Piana del Signore.