Benghazi (6472)
Libya, Africa
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2010
National site name: Benghazi
Central coordinates: Latitude: 32.2167, Longitude: 20.1500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 5
Area of KBA (km2): 13.64538
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The reserve is situated 15 km north-east of the city of Benghazi. The site includes the Ayn Zayanah lagoon and a stretch of coastal shoreline. The lagoon is 1.5 km long by up to 3–4 km wide and is connected by a channel at the northern end to the sea. The lagoon is fed by 10 underground springs arising from deep aquifers. The spring water has a salinity of 10 whilst that of the rest of the lagoon ranges from 18–22 in summer to 15–34 in winter. Water temperatures range from 14 to 28°C. The lagoon is surrounded by shallow marshland which is covered by water at high tide, especially to the east of the lake. Vegetation includes Salicornia spp., with Tamarix spp. on the dunes.
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. KBA identified by the 2010 CEPF Mediterranean Ecosystem Profile process. Taxonomy and nomenclature follow the 2008 IUCN Red List.
Additional biodiversity: See Box for key species. The site is important for migratory waterbirds, particularly Phoenicopterus ruber and Charadrius alexandrinus. Sterna bengalensis has also been recorded and the site may prove to be used regularly by this species. At least 60 pairs of Himantopus himantopus breed. It is suspected that the number of waterbirds using the site during winter months is higher than in July, when the only known count took place. Non-bird biodiversity: None known to BirdLife International.
Delineation rationale: 2010-04-16 (BL Secretariat): coordinates adjusted (from 3211N2006E to 3213N2009E) so as to centre on the main feature of the site (Ayn Zayanah lagoon) rather than well to the south in the sea offshore.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 50 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include hunting (for which several hides have been built), disturbance and construction, resulting in the filling-in of parts of the wetland. The area is also used as a rubbish-dump. The beach near the lagoon is an important recreational area. A number of fishermen use the site.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Beaufort and Czajkowski (1986), Kerambrun (1986), Meininger et al. (1994a, 1996).