Mount Beles (Kerkini) (997)
Greece, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2000
National site name: Oros Beles (Kerkini)
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.3333, Longitude: 23.0667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 100 to 2031
Area of KBA (km2): 332.13578
Protected area coverage (%): 99.83
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A remote mountain range characterized by bare summits, wooded slopes, gorges and scree slopes.
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 is an important area for breeding and passage raptors and alpine and forest species. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Haliaeetus albicilla (non-breeding), Aquila clanga (wintering), Aquila heliaca (wintering), Falco naumanni (passage).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | forestry (85%) | military (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Forest | 90 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are the replacement of native forest with Pinus plantations and illegal hunting. The area is a candidate SAC.