Buskett and Wied il-Luq (45)
Malta, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2004
National site name: Buskett and Wied il-Luq
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.8667, Longitude: 14.4000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 130 to 200
Area of KBA (km2): 1.86525
Protected area coverage (%): 99.77
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Buskett is the most extensive area of coniferous woodland on the island, through which runs a valley of deciduous woodland (Wied il-Luq).
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: This area is one of the major known passage sites for birds of prey in the Maltese archipelago. Over 3,000 raptors pass regularly per season, with the site being especially important for roosting Pernis apivorus and Circus aeruginosus in autumn, and Falco tinnunculus, F. subbuteo and F. eleonorae also occur in notable numbers. The extensive undergrowth provides feeding sites for wintering passerines as well as many trans-Saharan autumn migrants.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (40%) | tourism/recreation (40%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 30 | |
| Forest | 30 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 40 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Illegal bird-shooting is a serious problem. There is a management plan for the site.