Famagusta Lakes (31300)
Cyprus, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Famagusta Lakes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.1392, Longitude: 33.9090
System: freshwater, marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 4.4795
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An extensive, though fragmented, complex of marshes, pools and brackish lagoons on the outskirts of Famagusta town. Water levels vary both seasonally and from year-to-year at this newly identified IBA. Though the site attracts a wide range of waterbirds, it is most important as a regular breeding site for Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) and Spur-winged Lapwings (Vanellus spinosus). The lakes are also the only known breeding site for Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) in Cyprus, which first nested at the site in 2011. Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis), Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) and Squacco Herons (Ardeola ralloides) also nest in the tamarisk bushes favored by the Ibises.
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.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 3 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 85 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 |
Additional information
References: Hellicar, M.A., Anastasi, V., Beton, D. & Snape, R. (2014). Important Bird Areas of Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.