Key Biodiversity Areas

Limnatis Valley (31307)
Cyprus, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2012
National site name: Limnatis Valley
Central coordinates: Latitude: 34.7602, Longitude: 32.9195
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 95 to 610
Area of KBA (km2): 28.94224
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: This scrub-dominated site, consisting of two steep-sided valleys of the Kouris and Limnatis rivers that merge at the Kouris dam, is important as the only site beyond Episkopi cliffs where the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) has been known to nest in recent years. The extensive areas of dense, spiny broomdominated scrub at this new IBA also make it important for Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax), while mention could also be made of breeding Long-legged Buzzards (Buteo rufinus) and Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus).
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 HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Forest7
Shrubland59
Wetlands(Inland)11
Other3
Grassland8
Artificial - Terrestrial11

Additional information


References: Hellicar, M.A., Anastasi, V., Beton, D. & Snape, R. (2014). Important Bird Areas of Cyprus. BirdLife Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.