Data Zone
Country/territory: Portugal
IBA criteria met: A1, A4i, B1i, B2, C1, C2, C3, C6 (2002)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 8,985 hectares (89.85 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2005 | not assessed | low | not assessed |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2002 baseline)
The site included: Albufeira do Caia(Caia Lagoon), a little branch of a River Caia and the surrounding area that is boundaried by the closest roads. Albufeira do Caia is one of the largest in Alentejo, with a maximum of 1970 ha. of flooded area, and holds several islands. The margins, currently with rare water-fringe vegetation, are soft sloped.Evergreen woodland of oak, Quercus ilex, cereal cultivations and pastures are predominants, but also there are some olives, irrigation cultures, little areas with scrubs and water-fringe vegetation
Key biodiversity
Albufeira do Caia(Lagoon Caia) is one of the most important area for waterbirds, and the surrounding area holds significative populations of some steppic species.Breeding at site:Glareola Pratincola, Sterna albifrons, Himantopus himantopus (60-70 pairs in 2001), Netta rufina (20-25 adults in 1999) and ocasionally, Gelochelidon nilotica (minimum 12 adults in 1999).It is the only inner site where Sterna albifrons breeds.Herons breding here with 5 species registered. In the winter are registered important populations of anatidae, Fulica sp., Podiceps cristatus and gulls.In this season and during migration is usually the presence of Pandion haliaetus.This site is also important for passage of ciconiformes and limicolines. The surrounding area holds significative populations of Burhinus oedicnemus, Circus pygargus, Tetrax tetrax and Otis tarda, also Grus grus is here and sometimes passes the night in the albufeira
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Albufeira do Caia (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/albufeira-do-caia-iba-portugal on 23/12/2024.