GR090
Akarnanika mountains


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
A mountain range extending from Amvrakikos gulf to the north of the Acheloos plain. The site is dominated by open Quercus forests, maquis and phrygana. Human activities include livestock-farming, arable agriculture, and aquaculture/fishing.



Key biodiversity
This is an important site for species characteristic of open montane habitats. Breeding birds include eight of the 21 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Mediterranean biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (1-4 breeding pairs).



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The Quercus forest is threatened by heavy grazing pressure which is preventing regeneration. Harbour facilities in the south-western section of the IBA may be developed into an oil refinery.



Protected areas
National Partial International None3,960 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Perganti-Xiromerou/Monastiraki-Vatou-Thiriou, 3,960 ha).




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Akarnanika mountains (Greece). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/akarnanika-mountains-iba-greece on 23/11/2024.