GR044
Mount Olympos


Site description (2000 baseline):

Site location and context
The highest mountain in Greece with extensive subalpine meadows, cliffs and Pinus woodland. At lower altitudes there are areas of broadleaved evergreen woodland.



Key biodiversity
This is an important area for resident raptors, forest species and species associated with open alpine areas. Breeding birds include four of the 10 species in Europe that are restricted (when breeding) to the Eurasian high-montane biome. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aegypius monachus.



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include disorganized tourism development and the construction of numerous communication antennae. Part of the area is a candidate SAC.



Protected areas
National Partial International Partial6,000 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Siopoto-Paliabela/Kokkinoplou, 6,000 ha). 1,525 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Reserve (Magouta-Alonaki-Karamana/Elassonas, 1,525 ha). 4,000 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Reserve (Karias, 4,000 ha). 3,998 ha of IBA covered by National Park (Mount Olympos, 3,998 ha). 1,226 ha of IBA covered by Wildlife Refuge (Ag. Ioanni-Trohalo/Litohoriou, 1,226 ha). 4,000 ha of IBA covered by Biogenetic Reserve (Council of Europe) (Etnikos Drymos Olympou (Core area), 4,000 ha). 4,000 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Mount Olympus National Park, 4,000 ha). 4,595 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Ethnikos Drymos Olympou, 4,595 ha).




Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mount Olympos (Greece). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mount-olympos-iba-greece on 22/11/2024.