National Park of Dadia - Lefkimi - Soufli forest (987)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Ethniko Parko dasous Dadias - Lefkimis - Soufliou
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.1833, Longitude: 26.3000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 10 to 620
Area of KBA (km2): 409.7288
Protected area coverage (%): 99.26
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The forest lies at the south-eastern end of Mount Rodopi. The site is a mosaic of mature forest, meadows, small areas of cultivation and rivers.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This is a very important site for breeding and wintering raptors with 36 species recorded. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species that are restricted in Europe to the Mediterranean biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (3-6 wintering individuals), Aquila heliaca (breeding, 2-4 wintering individuals), Falco naumanni.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (20%) | forestry (62%) | military (6%) | nature conservation and research (20%) | tourism/recreation (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 25 | |
| Forest | 60 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from intensive forest management, afforestation with conifer plantations and fire. The use of poisoned baits to kill raptors and the recent building of a military camp are also threats. A core area of 7,258 ha is strictly protected. The area is a candidate SAC.