Data Zone
Country/territory: Cyprus
IBA criteria met: A2, B2 (2000)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 8,000 ha
Site description (2000 baseline)
A long, narrow peninsula north-east of the village of Rizokarpasso, with small offshore islands. The IBA includes hills covered mainly by low juniper Juniperus phoenicea forest, with maquis occurring towards the coast.
Key biodiversity
An important area for Francolinus francolinus, which is increasing in numbers following the introduction of a ban on shooting. It has spread throughout the peninsula and south to the Famagusta area, and has been recorded near Avgorou and the Ahna Dam. Many common species are resident or visiting breeders, many more overwinter or occur on passage. It is not uncommon to record 120 different species in a day in April, ranging from Phoenicopterus ruber and raptors to the smallest passerines. Cape Andreas is by far the best birdwatching site for spring and autumn migrants in Cyprus.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Karpas Peninsula (Cyprus). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/karpas-peninsula-iba-cyprus on 23/11/2024.