GR139
Mount Olympos and pine forest of central Lesvos


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
The top of the mountain is unvegetated. Below this is a band of mixed Pinus and Castanea woodland, with olive-groves in the lowland area. Human activities include livestock-farming, forestry and quarrying.



Key biodiversity
This is an important site for species typical of Pinus forest and non-intensive olive groves. Breeding birds include six of the 21 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Mediterranean biome.



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include fires, forestry operations, overgrazing and road building. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.



Protected areas
National Partial International NonePart of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Koutra-Chorafi Agrias-Chorafelia/Agiasou Lesv, 700 ha). Part of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Plati/Asomaton-Sikounta-Mychou).




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mount Olympos and pine forest of central Lesvos (Greece). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mount-olympos-and-pine-forest-of-central-lesvos-iba-greece on 23/12/2024.