Lake Mikri Prespa (2902)
Albania, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Liqeni i Prespes se Vogel
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.8333, Longitude: 21.0833
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 853 to 900
Area of KBA (km2): 6.05503
Protected area coverage (%): 99.16
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The western end of a mesotrophic, shallow, natural freshwater lake, shared with Greece (site 047). It is linked to the north with the much larger Lake Megali Prespa and is fed by seasonal streams. The main surface of the Albanian part of the lake is covered by reedbeds and surrounded by rocky scrub. In winter it freezes almost completely. The area is used for many purposes including grazing by large numbers of cattle.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The lake supports very important breeding populations of Pelecanus crispus and Phalacrocorax pygmeus although the breeding sites are in the Greek section of the lake, the birds also forage within the Albanian section. In winter the Albanian part of the lake is important for Phalacrocorax pygmeus, but in general for wintering waterbirds the area is less important as it is covered by ice for several months. Little data are available on breeding birds but Chlidonias hybridus (30-50 pairs) and Ixobrychus minutus (2-20 pairs) are known to breed.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | hunting | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 76 | |
| Shrubland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat to the site is the unsustainable use of water resources: water is extracted to irrigate the plains between Korça and Pogradeci, causing fluctuations and a general reduction of the water-levels and siltation. The Greek side of the lake is protected as a National Park.