Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
An extensive area of reedbeds (
Phragmites) and water-meadows (unique in Cyprus), adjacent to Akrotiri salt-lake.
A very important stop-over site during spring and autumn migration; also important for winter visitors. Bird data are averaged for 1990-1995, although many more species are recorded every year, ranging from raptors and large waterbirds to small warblers (Sylviidae) and finches (Fringillidae). Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria:
Crex crex,
Gallinago media (both passage).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The area is threatened with drying-out following the construction of the dam on the River Kouris, which formerly supplied water to the area. Inappropriate reed-cutting (`Other' threat) and burning and encroachment by grazing animals is resulting in extensive damage to the reedbeds. Indiscriminate shooting is also a major problem. The Environment Department has drafted a management plan.
National Partial
International NonePart of the IBA is protected by a Temporary Game Reserve.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Phasouri reedbeds (Cyprus). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/phasouri-reedbeds-iba-cyprus on 11/01/2025.
