Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
A group of 25 small islands close to the mainland Akarnanika mountains and the Acheloos estuary-Mesolongi wetland area. The islands are predominantly covered with scrub or bare rock. However, some are wooded including Kalamos and Petala. The main human activities are livestock-farming and tourism.
The site is particularly important for breeding and wintering raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:
Aegypius monachus (non-breeding),
Aquila clanga (1-4 wintering individuals),
Aquila heliaca (1-2 wintering individuals).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Illegal hunting and tourist developments are the major threats. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.
National None
International Partial2,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Delta Acheloou, Limnothalassa Mesolongiou-Aitoliko kai Ekvoles Evinou, 34,941 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Echinades, Kalamos and Atokos islands (Greece). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/echinades-kalamos-and-atokos-islands-iba-greece on 21/12/2024.
