Data Zone
Country/territory: Cyprus
IBA criteria met: A1, A2, A4i, B1i, B1iv, B2 (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 4,000 ha
Site description (2000 baseline)
The IBA includes Akrotiri salt-lake, reedbeds and gravel pits, Bishop's Pool, Zakaki pools, and Ladie's Mile beach. The salt-lake dries out in summer, and is surrounded by reedbeds and saltmarsh. There are vineyards and orange groves in the vicinity of Bishop's Pool, which is a man-made reservoir taking surplus treated effluent from the Akrotiri sewage-treatment works.
Key biodiversity
This site is of major importance as a staging area during spring and autumn passage. It is also important for wintering waterbirds, especially Phoenicopterus ruber and Anas spp. Bird data are averaged for 1990-1995. Many species are recorded regularly every year, ranging from raptors and large waterbirds to small warblers (Sylviidae) and finches (Fringillidae). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (up to 20 wintering birds) and Circus macrourus (1-2 passage birds).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Akrotiri salt-lake including Bishop's Pool (Cyprus). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/akrotiri-salt-lake-including-bishops-pool-iba-cyprus on 23/11/2024.