Database release:
SDF
NATURA 2000 - STANDARD DATA FORM

For Special Protection Areas (SPA),
Proposed Sites for Community Importance (pSCI),
Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and
for Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SITE IDENTIFICATION

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1.1 Type

A

1.2 Site code

GR2310015

1.3 Site name

DELTA ACHELOOU, LIMNOTHALASSA MESOLONGIOU - AITOLIKOU KAI EKVOLES EVINOU, NISOI ECHINADES, NISOS PETALAS, DYTIKOS ARAKYNTHOS KAI STENA KLEISOURAS

1.4 First Compilation date

1995-04

1.5 Update date

2020-07

1.6 Respondent:

Name/Organisation:Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας
Address:               
Email:

1.7 Site indication and designation / classification dates

Date site classified as SPA:1988-02
National legal reference of SPA designationJMD HP 37338/1807/E103/6-9-2010 (OJ 1495 B)

2. SITE LOCATION

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2.1 Site-centre location [decimal degrees]:

Longitude:21.250388
Latitude:38.325102

2.2 Area [ha]

44364.3600

2.3 Marine area [%]

9.6100

2.4 Sitelength [km] (optional):


No information provided

2.5 Administrative region code and name

NUTS level 2 code Region Name
GR22Ionia Nisia
GR23Dytiki Ellada

2.6 Biogeographical Region(s)

Mediterranean (0.00 %) Marine Mediterranean (0.00 %)

3. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

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3.1 Habitat types present on the site and assessment for them


No habitat types are reported for the site

3.2 Species referred to in Article 4 of Directive 2009/147/EC and listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC and site evaluation for them

Species Population in the site Site assessment
G Code Scientific Name S NP T Size Unit Cat. D.qual. A|B|C|D A|B|C
      MinMax  Pop.Con.Iso.Glo.
BA402Accipiter brevipes    r        P  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA298Acrocephalus arundinaceus    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA296Acrocephalus palustris    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA295Acrocephalus schoenobaenus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA297Acrocephalus scirpaceus    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA168Actitis hypoleucos    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA168Actitis hypoleucos    w  0  5  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA247Alauda arvensis    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA229Alcedo atthis    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA229Alcedo atthis    c  382  382  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA229Alcedo atthis    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA054Anas acuta    w  558  1144  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA052Anas crecca    w  3243  6168  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA052Anas crecca    c  10530  10530  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA053Anas platyrhynchos    w  292  757  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA053Anas platyrhynchos    r  22  22  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA255Anthus campestris    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA258Anthus cervinus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA257Anthus pratensis    w        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA259Anthus spinoletta    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA256Anthus trivialis    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA226Apus apus    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA028Ardea cinerea    w  131  234  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA028Ardea cinerea    c  929  929  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA169Arenaria interpres    c      i  P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA059Aythya ferina    w  2306  6203  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA061Aythya fuligula    w  150  150  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA215Bubo bubo    p        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA133Burhinus oedicnemus    r  39  39  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA087Buteo buteo    w  40  40  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA087Buteo buteo    p  8  8  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA243Calandrella brachydactyla    r  2300  2300  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA144Calidris alba    c  4420  4420  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA149Calidris alpina    w  3016  5161  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA147Calidris ferruginea    c  1471  1471  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA145Calidris minuta    w  855  2078  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA861Calidris pugnax    c  1264  1264  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA146Calidris temminckii    c  304  304  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA479Cecropis daurica    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA479Cecropis daurica    r  400  400  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA138Charadrius alexandrinus    r  220  220  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA138Charadrius alexandrinus    w  956  2010  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA137Charadrius hiaticula    w        C  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA137Charadrius hiaticula    c        C  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA198Chlidonias leucopterus    c  45  45  i  C  M  C  B  B  B 
BA080Circaetus gallicus    c        R  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA080Circaetus gallicus    r  2  2  i  R  M  C  B  C  B 
BA082Circus cyaneus    w        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA083Circus macrourus    c        R  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA859Clanga clanga    w  3  3  i  R  M  C  B  B  B 
BA113Coturnix coturnix    r        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA212Cuculus canorus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA212Cuculus canorus    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA036Cygnus olor    w  11  222  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA738Delichon urbicum (urbica)    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA738Delichon urbicum (urbica)    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA026Egretta garzetta    r  356  356  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA026Egretta garzetta    w  633  633  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA026Egretta garzetta    c  1491  1491  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA447Emberiza caesia    r        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA379Emberiza hortulana    c        P  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA382Emberiza melanocephala    r        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA382Emberiza melanocephala    c  200  200  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA269Erithacus rubecula    p        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA269Erithacus rubecula    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA511Falco cherrug    c  1  1  i  R  M  B  B  B  B 
BA098Falco columbarius    w  1  1  i  R  M  C  B  C  B 
BA103Falco peregrinus    p  1  1  i  R  M  C  B  C  B 
BA099Falco subbuteo    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA097Falco vespertinus    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA321Ficedula albicollis    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA322Ficedula hypoleuca    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA320Ficedula parva    c        R  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA657Fringilla coelebs all others    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA657Fringilla coelebs all others    r  1700  1700  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA125Fulica atra    w  16893  24873  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA125Fulica atra    r  301  301  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA153Gallinago gallinago    w  52  208  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA154Gallinago media    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA130Haematopus ostralegus    w  4  10  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA130Haematopus ostralegus    r  25  25  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA131Himantopus himantopus    r  133  133  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA131Himantopus himantopus    w        C  DD  B  B  C  B 
BA299Hippolais icterina    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA251Hirundo rustica    c  18000  18000  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA251Hirundo rustica    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA862Hydrocoloeus minutus    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA862Hydrocoloeus minutus    w        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA487Iduna pallida s. str.    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA022Ixobrychus minutus    r  12  12  i      C  B  C  B 
BA233Jynx torquilla    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA338Lanius collurio    c  100  100  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA339Lanius minor    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA341Lanius senator    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA341Lanius senator    r  90  90  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA179Larus ridibundus    w  3650  3650  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA868Leiopicus medius    p  90  90  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA156Limosa limosa    c  627  627  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA156Limosa limosa    w        C  DD  B  B  C  B 
BA292Locustella luscinioides    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA246Lullula arborea    w  398  398  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA271Luscinia megarhynchos    r        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA855Mareca penelope    w  6047  8634  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA069Mergus serrator    w  15  70  i  R  M  C  B  C  B 
BA230Merops apiaster    c  1000  1000  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA875Microcarbo pygmaeus    w        P  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA875Microcarbo pygmaeus    c        P  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA074Milvus milvus    w        P  DD  A  B  B  B 
BA262Motacilla alba    r  50  50  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA262Motacilla alba    w  1265  1265  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA261Motacilla cinerea    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA260Motacilla flava    r  420  450  i      C  B  C  B 
BA260Motacilla flava    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA319Muscicapa striata    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA768Numenius arquata arquata    w  103  180  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA159Numenius tenuirostris    c        P  DD  A  B  B  B 
BA023Nycticorax nycticorax    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA278Oenanthe hispanica    r  200  200  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA278Oenanthe hispanica    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA277Oenanthe oenanthe    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA337Oriolus oriolus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA214Otus scops    p        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA094Pandion haliaetus    w  7  7  i  R  M  C  B  C  B 
BA355Passer hispaniolensis    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA355Passer hispaniolensis    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA072Pernis apivorus    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA391Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis    w  1892  3427  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA663Phoenicopterus roseus    p  1333  1333  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA663Phoenicopterus roseus    w  6964  6964  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA273Phoenicurus ochruros    w  172  172  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA274Phoenicurus phoenicurus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA572Phylloscopus collybita s. str.    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA314Phylloscopus sibilatrix    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA316Phylloscopus trochilus    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA140Pluvialis apricaria    w  767  1414  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA141Pluvialis squatarola    w  252  252  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA005Podiceps cristatus    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA005Podiceps cristatus    w  557  1107  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA008Podiceps nigricollis    w  356  778  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA119Porzana porzana    c        R  DD  C  B  B  B 
BA249Riparia riparia    c  600  600  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA249Riparia riparia    r  350  450  i      B  B  C  B 
BA275Saxicola rubetra    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA857Spatula clypeata    w  1342  2517  i  C  M  B  B  C  B 
BA857Spatula clypeata    r        C  DD  B  B  C  B 
BA193Sterna hirundo    r  216  221  i  C  M  A  B  C  B 
BA885Sternula albifrons    r  124  124  i  R  M  B  B  C  B 
BA210Streptopelia turtur    c  1700  1700  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA210Streptopelia turtur    r  100  100  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA351Sturnus vulgaris    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA310Sylvia borin    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA304Sylvia cantillans    r  800  800  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA309Sylvia communis    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA574Sylvia curruca    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA228Tachymarptis melba    r        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA161Tringa erythropus    c  146  146  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA161Tringa erythropus    w  9  82  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA166Tringa glareola    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA164Tringa nebularia    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA164Tringa nebularia    w  4  30  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA165Tringa ochropus    w        R  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA163Tringa stagnatilis    c        P  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA163Tringa stagnatilis    w        R  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA162Tringa totanus    r  50  50  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA162Tringa totanus    w  534  1099  i  C  M  C  B  C  B 
BA283Turdus merula    p        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA285Turdus philomelos    w        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
BA232Upupa epops    c        C  DD  C  B  C  B 
  • Group: A = Amphibians, B = Birds, F = Fish, I = Invertebrates, M = Mammals, P = Plants, R = Reptiles
  • S: in case that the data on species are sensitive and therefore have to be blocked for any public access enter: yes
  • NP: in case that a species is no longer present in the site enter: x (optional)
  • Type: p = permanent, r = reproducing, c = concentration, w = wintering (for plant and non-migratory species use permanent)
  • Unit: i = individuals, p = pairs or other units according to the Standard list of population units and codes in accordance with Article 12 and 17 reporting (see reference portal)
  • Abundance categories (Cat.): C = common, R = rare, V = very rare, P = present - to fill if data are deficient (DD) or in addition to population size information
  • Data quality: G = 'Good' (e.g. based on surveys); M = 'Moderate' (e.g. based on partial data with some extrapolation); P = 'Poor' (e.g. rough estimation); VP = 'Very poor' (use this category only, if not even a rough estimation of the population size can be made, in this case the fields for population size can remain empty, but the field "Abundance categories" has to be filled in)

3.3 Other important species of flora and fauna (optional)

Species

Population in the site

Motivation

Group CODE Scientific Name S NP Size Unit Cat. Species Annex Other categories
     MinMax C|R|V|PIVVABCD
B  A898Accipiter nisus all others          P            X 
B  A898Accipiter nisus all others          P          X   
B  A898Accipiter nisus all others          P      X       
B  A324Aegithalos caudatus    656  656  i  C      X       
B  A324Aegithalos caudatus    656  656  i  C            X 
B  A324Aegithalos caudatus    656  656  i  C          X   
B  A025Bubulcus ibis          P            X 
B  A025Bubulcus ibis          P      X       
B  A025Bubulcus ibis          P          X   
B  A364Carduelis carduelis    1500  1500  i  C      X       
B  A364Carduelis carduelis    1500  1500  i  C          X   
B  A268Cercotrichas galactotes          C      X       
B  A268Cercotrichas galactotes          C          X   
B  A268Cercotrichas galactotes          C            X 
B  A288Cettia cetti    1200  1200  i  C          X   
B  A288Cettia cetti    1200  1200  i  C      X       
B  A136Charadrius dubius    15  15  i            X   
B  A136Charadrius dubius    15  15  i              X 
B  A136Charadrius dubius    15  15  i        X       
B  A363Chloris chloris    900  900  i  C      X       
B  A363Chloris chloris    900  900  i  C          X   
B  A289Cisticola juncidis          C          X   
B  A289Cisticola juncidis          C      X       
B  A373Coccothraustes coccothraustes          C          X   
B  A373Coccothraustes coccothraustes          C      X       
B  A206Columba livia    636  636  i  C          X   
B  A206Columba livia    636  636  i  C            X 
B  A206Columba livia    636  636  i  C      X       
B  A687Columba palumbus palumbus          C      X       
B  A687Columba palumbus palumbus          C            X 
B  A350Corvus corax          C      X       
B  A350Corvus corax          C          X   
B  A347Corvus monedula          C      X       
B  A347Corvus monedula          C          X   
B  A483Cyanistes caeruleus s. str.    5576  5576  i  C      X       
B  A483Cyanistes caeruleus s. str.    5576  5576  i  C          X   
B  A240Dendrocopos minor          R      X       
B  A240Dendrocopos minor          R          X   
B  A383Emberiza calandra          C      X       
B  A383Emberiza calandra          C          X   
B  A377Emberiza cirlus          C          X   
B  A377Emberiza cirlus          C      X       
B  A381Emberiza schoeniclus          P      X       
B  A381Emberiza schoeniclus          P          X   
B  A096Falco tinnunculus          C          X   
B  A096Falco tinnunculus          C      X       
B  A096Falco tinnunculus          C            X 
B  A244Galerida cristata    1200  1200  i  C          X   
B  A244Galerida cristata    1200  1200  i  C      X       
B  A244Galerida cristata    1200  1200  i  C            X 
B  A123Gallinula chloropus          P          X   
B  A123Gallinula chloropus          P      X       
B  A342Garrulus glandarius    800  800  i  C      X       
B  A342Garrulus glandarius    800  800  i  C          X   
B  A604Larus michahellis    544  544  i  C          X   
B  A604Larus michahellis    646  646  i  C            X 
B  A604Larus michahellis    646  646  i  C          X   
B  A604Larus michahellis    1123  1123  i  C            X 
B  A604Larus michahellis    544  544  i  C      X       
B  A604Larus michahellis    1123  1123  i  C      X       
B  A604Larus michahellis    646  646  i  C      X       
B  A604Larus michahellis    544  544  i  C            X 
B  A604Larus michahellis    1123  1123  i  C          X   
B  A476Linaria cannabina          C      X       
B  A476Linaria cannabina          C          X   
B  A270Luscinia luscinia    50  50  i  C      X       
B  A270Luscinia luscinia    50  50  i  C          X   
B  A152Lymnocryptes minimus          P            X 
B  A152Lymnocryptes minimus          P          X   
B  A152Lymnocryptes minimus          P      X       
B  A281Monticola solitarius    43  43  i  C      X       
B  A281Monticola solitarius    43  43  i  C          X   
B  A058Netta rufina    10  10  i        X       
B  A058Netta rufina    10  10  i            X   
B  A058Netta rufina    10  10  i              X 
B  A158Numenius phaeopus          P      X       
B  A158Numenius phaeopus          P          X   
B  A158Numenius phaeopus          P            X 
B  A323Panurus biarmicus          C      X       
B  A323Panurus biarmicus          C          X   
B  A330Parus major    2500  2500  i  C          X   
B  A330Parus major    2500  2500  i  C      X       
B  A620Passer domesticus s. str.          C          X   
B  A620Passer domesticus s. str.          C      X       
B  A356Passer montanus          C      X       
B  A356Passer montanus          C            X 
B  A356Passer montanus          C          X   
B  A472Periparus ater all others    153  153  i  C      X       
B  A472Periparus ater all others    153  153  i  C          X   
B  A343Pica pica          C          X   
B  A343Pica pica          C      X       
B  A866Picus viridis s. str.    100  100  i  C          X   
B  A866Picus viridis s. str.    100  100  i  C      X       
B  A491Poecile lugubris    315  315  i  C            X 
B  A491Poecile lugubris    315  315  i  C          X   
B  A491Poecile lugubris    315  315  i  C      X       
B  A266Prunella modularis          C          X   
B  A266Prunella modularis          C      X       
B  A250Ptyonoprogne rupestris          P      X       
B  A250Ptyonoprogne rupestris    13  13  i  C      X       
B  A250Ptyonoprogne rupestris          P          X   
B  A250Ptyonoprogne rupestris    13  13  i  C          X   
B  A318Regulus ignicapilla          C      X       
B  A318Regulus ignicapilla          C          X   
B  A317Regulus regulus          C      X       
B  A317Regulus regulus          C          X   
B  A336Remiz pendulinus          C          X   
B  A336Remiz pendulinus          C      X       
B  A336Remiz pendulinus          C            X 
B  A276Saxicola (torquatus) rubicola          C      X       
B  A276Saxicola (torquatus) rubicola          C          X   
B  A155Scolopax rusticola          P          X   
B  A155Scolopax rusticola          P      X       
B  A361Serinus serinus          C      X       
B  A361Serinus serinus          C          X   
B  A332Sitta europaea    1500  1500  i  C          X   
B  A332Sitta europaea    1500  1500  i  C      X       
B  A445Sitta neumayer    400  400  i  C          X   
B  A445Sitta neumayer    400  400  i  C      X       
B  A478Spinus spinus          C      X       
B  A478Spinus spinus          C          X   
B  A209Streptopelia decaocto          C      X       
B  A209Streptopelia decaocto          C          X   
B  A311Sylvia atricapilla          C          X   
B  A311Sylvia atricapilla          C      X       
B  A306Sylvia hortensis          P          X   
B  A306Sylvia hortensis          P      X       
B  A306Sylvia hortensis          P            X 
B  A305Sylvia melanocephala    8636  8636  i  C      X       
B  A305Sylvia melanocephala    8636  8636  i  C          X   
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    12  12  i  C            X 
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    326  580  i  C      X       
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    12  12  i  C      X       
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    326  580  i  C            X 
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    326  580  i  C          X   
B  A004Tachybaptus ruficollis    12  12  i  C          X   
B  A676Troglodytes troglodytes all others          C      X       
B  A676Troglodytes troglodytes all others          C          X   
B  A284Turdus pilaris          C      X       
B  A284Turdus pilaris          C          X   
B  A284Turdus pilaris          C            X 
B  A287Turdus viscivorus          C      X       
B  A287Turdus viscivorus          C          X   
  • Group: A = Amphibians, B = Birds, F = Fish, Fu = Fungi, I = Invertebrates, L = Lichens, M = Mammals, P = Plants, R = Reptiles
  • CODE: for Birds, Annex IV and V species the code as provided in the reference portal should be used in addition to the scientific name
  • S: in case that the data on species are sensitive and therefore have to be blocked for any public access enter: yes
  • NP: in case that a species is no longer present in the site enter: x (optional)
  • Unit: i = individuals, p = pairs or other units according to the standard list of population units and codes in accordance with Article 12 and 17 reporting, (see reference portal)
  • Cat.: Abundance categories: C = common, R = rare, V = very rare, P = present
  • Motivation categories: IV, V: Annex Species (Habitats Directive), A: National Red List data; B: Endemics; C: International Conventions; D: other reasons

4. SITE DESCRIPTION

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4.1 General site character

Habitat class % Cover
N0146.17
N0215.08
N032.15
N042.15
N062.15
N0810.77
N096.46
N122.15
N154.31
N182.15
N192.15
N234.31

Total Habitat Cover

100

Other Site Characteristics

The site presents a complex ecosystem that is located in western Sterea Ellada. It is one of the most significant wetlands inGreece. It is also reaching the Ionion Sea and containg the terrestrial areas of the Echinades islands group. Here, a verylarge lagoon, the Mesolongi lagoon (11,200 ha) predominates in the central part of the wetland system. There are also anumber of other smaller lagoons to the north (Aitoliko lagoon, 1400 ha), east (Kleisova, 3000 ha), and the west(Gourounopoules, Paliopotamos, 800 ha). The lagoons of Mesolongi lie behind a fragmented sandy coastal ridge which islocated between the mouth of the river Evinos to the east and the Koutsilaris hill to the west; they are connected with thePatraikos Gulf (which forms part of the Ionian Sea) by a large opening. A part of delta of the river Evinos is included in theeastern part of the Mesolongi plain. In the extreme west of the area a part of delta of the river Acheloos occurs. Most of theplain is formed from the sediments deposited by these two rivers. Evinos has deposited sediments that cover a part of thearea from Mesolongi eastwards, while sediments from the river Acheloos cover the area from Mesolongi to the west. In thewestern part of the site, the sediments of the river Acheloos surround rocks and hills, of which the Koutsilaris (433 m) is thehighest. In the same part several former beds of the river Acheloos can be distinguished. In places within the area of thelagoons near Ag. Triada, Ag.Taxiarchis and Megalo Vouno, former sand-dune ridges may be observed. The Mesolongi lagoonsystem was formed in the Holocene. The basin of the lagoon is divided into the Aitoliko and Mesolongi lagoons, which areconnected to each other by a narrow channel. From a geological point of view, the area belongs to the Ionian and Gavrovozones and is composed mainly of sedimentary rocks. A small area of the Gavrovo zone is composed mainly of UpperCretaceous limestones, Eocenic limestones and flysch. A larger area, in which Echinades islands are included, belonging tothe Ionian zone and is composed of Triassic crystalines and evaporites, Jurassic limestones with ceratoliths, Cretaceous andEocenic limestones and flysch. The soil of the area has originated from erosion of the above rocks. In the whole areadominates the clay deposited in salt water; only along the river beds we find clay deposited in fresh water. The salt waterclay has a bluish colour, while the fresh water clay is brownish. The coastal ridge consists of sand. As mentioned above, thelagoons of Mesolongi are connected with the sea by means of several wide openings in the coastal ridge. Nevertheless someparts of the lagoons are rather isolated. This results in large fluctuations of salinity during the course of the year. The salinityof the shallow waters south of Aitoliko and probably near the former monastery Ag. Taxiarchis, also fluctuates considerably.The high salinity in summer, caused by evaporation, is tempered by fresh water flowing into the lagoons from thesurrounding fields and some small brooks. During the winter large amounts of fresh water drain into the lagoons. In winterwater from the Evinos and Acheloos rivers probably also flows into the lagoons on occasions. The lagoons studied areshallow. Their maximum depth is about 2 m but large areas have a depth of about 1m. Only the Aitoliko lagoon has amaximum depth of 28 m. The principal human activity in the lagoons is fishing. For this purpose elaborate pile screens havebeen constructed in many creeks using the stems of Arundo donax. In some places large quantities of this material arewashed ashore and become substrate for a special type of vegetation. The Mesolongi lagoons were formerly surroundedmostly by extensive salt marshes, large parts of which were drained for agricultural purposes, but still remain infertile andserve as a wildlife habitat. Despite land reclamation, salt marshes, sand-banks and mudflats still occur around the lagoons. Adetailed description of the area's plant communities is given by Wolff (1968) and Szijj (1983). Generally the area ischaracterized by variable habitats. Extensive areas of salt marshes exist where the plant genera Salicornia andArthrocnemum are dominant, as well as extensive areas of shallow water with a rich submerged vegetation of Ruppia,Enteromorpha and Zostera. Apart from the vegetation units already mentioned (section 3.1) extensive, dense reedcommunities (Phragmitetum) cover substantial areas, mainly in places where freshwater flows into the lagoons. Such areasoccur mainly on the north and northeast shores of the Kleisova lagoon, along the western shore of the Mesolongi lagoon,along the eastern shore of the Aitoliko lagoon at the shore of the Skantzochoiros lagoon, along drainage channels and alongthe edges of the Acheloos river. In these reed communities, Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia dominate. Despiteintense agricultural activities, sufficient hedges of natural vegetation with Phragmites australis, Tamarix parviflora and Juncusmaritimus grow between the small fields. In these microbiotopes live importand taxa populations. Furthermore, more animalsexist in the drainage channels and the surrounding natural vegetation. Close to the reed belts, stands of Scirpetum maritimioccur. These communities are observed mainly at the Mesolongi lagoon (near Poros) as well as several places to the NE ofthe Kleisova lagoon. It is also worth mentioning that a long, wide coastal strip with sand-dunes occurs mainly to thesouth-west of the area. The main plant communities are Agropyretum mediterraneum, Ammophiletum arenariae andCakiletea maritimae. On the islet of Louros at the inner places behind the dunes, a significant cluster of Juniperus phoeniceagrows. All this area is extremely valuable. On the surrounding hills clusters of Quercus macrolepis, macchie and phrygana(with Phlomis fruticosa as the dominant taxon) grow. The Acheloos river is the second largest river in the Balkans. On itsestuaries as well as along its banks three main types of riparian forests grow: 1) Riparian forests with Salix alba and Populusnigra as dominant species (such forests occur mainly in the southern area of the delta as well as along the river banks); 2) Aforest of Fraxinus angustifolia near Lesini, which is the most valuable part of the riparian vegetation of this area; 3) Clusterswith Tamarix parviflora and Vitex agnus-castus (mainly in the southern part of the Delta at Kali Chitsa, as well as along thebank of the river). The estuaries of the Evinos river extend from the east shore of the Kleisova lagoon to the foot of Mt.Varasova. The River Evinos springs from Mt. Vardousia and flows into the Patraikos Gulf. It has a length of 110 km and itsdrainage basin is 1070 km2. It is noticeable that the riparian vegetation of river Evinos appears significantly different fromthe equivalent vegetation of River Acheloos. This happens because the Evinos river has not a constant and satisfactory flowduring all the year. Therefore the clusters with Salix, Fraxinus and Ulmus, as well as the reed belts (Phragmitetum), all alongthe edge of the river are rare. On the contrary, the development of Nerium oleander in the area is very intense. About 5 kmfrom the mounth of the river clusters of Populus alba, P. nigra and Arundo donax occur. Close to the mouth of the riverriparian vegetation with Platanus orientalis, Nerium oleander and Vitex agnus-castus is developed. At the estuaries of theriver, the flow is slow, and poor vegetation with Zostera noltii, Myriophyllum spicatum and Valisneria spiralis occur. Despitethe intense agricultural activities enough hedges of natural vegetation with Phragmites, Tamarix and Juncus grow betweenthe small fields. Small isolated formations with Phragmites communis occur at the estuaries of the Evinos river as well as inseveral places along the edge of the river. Close to the reed belts, stands of Scirpetum maritimum occur, at the place wherethe salinity increases. At the coastal zone extending from the east shore of the Kleisova lagoon to the west of the mouth ofthe Evinos river (ca. 3 km in length and 0.5 km in width) the land is lower than sea level and is devoid of discharge, resultingin overflow due to rain water. In that place an extensive saltmarsh with a gradiated natural vegetation (Tamaricetum,Juncetum, Arthocnemetum, Salicornietum) is developed. The coasts of Echinades islands provide a number of submarine andsemi-submarine sea caves wich are important seal habitats. The species Tursiops truncatus and Delphinus delphis which arerecorded as being present in this area, are included in Directive 92/43/EEC, the Bern and Bonn Conventions, CITES andCorine-Biotopes. They are also recorded by the Presidential Decree 67/1981, and Delphinus delphis is recorded in thw GreekRed Data Book as "Vulnerable". Another important habitat type in thw area are the small Posidonia fields. The non-coastalparts of the islands are preserved in very good natural, ecological condition, they are used by seabirds for their breedinggrounds. They also present special interest from phytosociological and management points of view. The most importantvertebrate taxa are the fow bats of the generate Rhinolophus and Myotis (both threatened taxa recorded in the Red DataBook as "Endagered" and "Vulnerable" respectively). The tortoise Testudo hermanni and the snake Elaphe quatuorlincata,which are all included in Annex II of the Directive 92/43/EEC. The other importand species (section 3.3) are allocated C andD motivations because they are protected by the Bern Convention and the Presidential Decree 67/1981. A number of raptorsare recorded as occuring in the area (Aquila chrysaetos, Circactus gallicus, falco peregrinus, Gyps fulvus, Phalacrocoraxaristotelis) and most of these are classified as "Threatened" in the Greek Red Data Book.

4.2 Quality and importance

This is an important site for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds and raptors. The studied area is a compact ecosystem which although has been strongly influenced by human activities still has significant ecological value, for that reason the wetland it is included in the Ramsar Convention. The flora and fauna of the area is largely specialized due to the extensive presence and dominance of wet-element taxa. As mentioned above, despite land reclamation, extensive areas of salt marshes sandbanks and mudflats still exist. An important part of this site is the pure Fraxinus forest (the only one in Greece) that exists near the Lesini area. Relicts from such a riparian forest occur also on the eastern banks of the Evinos river. These areas have large ornithological and ecological value. The alluvium of the Evinos river are very significant and in a very good condition. The estuary of this river consists of one of the most harmonized ecosystems we have encountered. The plant communities of this area are in excellent condition. The coastal zone between the Kleisova lagoon and the Evinos river is the largest unique and uniform part of natural saltmarsh in this site; it is also in a very good natural state. Of great ecological importance is also the ammophilous vegetation of this site which grows mainly on the islets of the lagoons. The important number of site' s islands presents big interest from phytosociological and floristic points of view. The vegetation of the site is composed of a lot of interesting endemic, rare or threatened plants.

4.3 Threats, pressures and activities with impacts on the site

The most important impacts and activities with high effect on the site

Negative Impacts
RankThreats and pressures [code]Pollution (optional) [code]inside/outside [i|o|b]
LA04b
LA04.01b
MA07b
MA09b
MA10.01o
LC01b
MC01.05b
C03.03
LD01b
MD01.02b
LE02i
ME03b
LE04b
LF01i
LG01o
MH06.01o
ML09i
Positive Impacts
RankActivities, management [code]Pollution (optional) [code]inside/outside [i|o|b]

Rank: H = high, M = medium, L = low
Pollution: N = Nitrogen input, P = Phosphor/Phosphate input, A = Acid input/acidification,
T = toxic inorganic chemicals, O = toxic organic chemicals, X = Mixed pollutions
i = inside, o = outside, b = both

4.4 Ownership (optional)


No information provided

4.5 Documentation (optional)

1:Heath, M. F. and Evans, M. I., eds. 2000. Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority sites for conservation. 2:SouthernEurope. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 8, p. 791.3. De nobel W.T. (ed.)1995., 1990,APPENDIX II. Counts of waterbirds per area, Spring 1990. In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995. Birds of the Messolonghiwetlands.Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project, spring 1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist. (pp. 127)., Foundation Working GroupInternational Waterbirds And Wetland Research (WIWO) 4. De nobel W.T. (ed.)1995., 1990, APPENDIX III. List of birdsringed, 12 March - 25 May 1990. In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995. Birds of the Messolonghi wetlands.Eastern MediterraneanWader Project, spring 1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist (pp. 136)., Foundation Working Group International Waterbirds AndWetland Research (WIWO) 5. F. Cottaar & W.T. de Nobel., 1990, Coloumark checking of waders in the Messolonghi wetlands,spring 1990 In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995. Birds of the Messolonghi wetlands.Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project, spring1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist. (pp. 136)., Foundation Working Group International Waterbirds And Wetland Research(WIWO) 6. Georgiadis Th., Georgiou O., Dimopoulos P., Chondropoulos B.P., Fraguedakis-Tsolis S., Kaspiris P., Mitsainas G.& G. Tryfonopoulos, 2009, http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/natura2000/SDFPublic.aspxsite=GR2310001, Department OfBiology, University Of Patras, Gr 265 00 Patras Greece. Kazantzidis S., Ious 4 Gr 546 32 Thessaloniki Greece. Akriotis T.,Department Of Environment, Aegean University, Karantoni 17, Gr 80100 Mytilini Greece. Legakis A.: Zoological Museum 7.Huijssteeden van E. & Leeuwen van G., 1990, Birds Of The Messolonghi Wetladns - Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project,Spring 1990, Foundation Working Group International Waterbirds And Wetland Research (WIWO) 8. Joensen A.H., PreussN.O., Hansen P., 1986 - 1987, Waterfowl And Raptors Wintering In Western Greece And The Peloponnese, 1986-1987, inNATURA JUTLANDICA - 1987, 22 (5): 89-100 9. Liordos V & Goutner V, 2007. Spatial Patterns Of Winter Diet Of The GreatCormorant In Coastal Wetlands Of Greece, Waterbirds, 30(1): 103-111, AUTH Department of Biology – Sector of Zoology 10.Pergantis P & Handrinos G, Unpublished personal observation data from the years 1963, 1969, 1980 and 1981 11. PergantisP., Goutner V., Handrinos G., Akriotis T, 1989, The Breeding Status Of The Gull-Billed Tern (Gelochelidon Nilotica) In WesternGreece, Biologia Gallo-Hellenica 1994, 22, 171-178, 12. R.Foppen, Ph. Pergantis, Y. Roussopoulos & F.Saris., 1963, 1990,Breeding birds in the Messolonghi wetlands, spring 1990. In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995. Birds of the Messolonghiwetlands.Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project, spring 1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist. (pp. 79)., Foundation Working GroupInternational Waterbirds And Wetland Research (WIWO) 13. R.Foppen, Ph. Pergantis, Y. Roussopoulos & F.Saris., 1990,Coloumark checking of waders in the Messolonghi wetlands, spring 1990 In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995. Birds of theMessolonghi wetlands.Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project, spring 1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist. (pp. 136)., FoundationWorking Group International Waterbirds And Wetland Research (WIWO) 14. Sakelarides T.M., Konstantinou I.K., Hela D.G.,Lambropoulou D, Dimou A., Albanis T.A., 2003, Accumulation profiles of persistent organoclorines in liver and fat tissues ofvarious waterbird species from Greece, Chemosphere 63 (2006) 1392-1409 15. Wolff, W.J., Series of years, Spring AndSummer Observations From Mesolonghion, Greece, ARDEA, 54: 68-75, 1966 16. Y Roussopoulos, Ph. Pergantis andG.Handrinos, 1983 - 1990, Appendix IV. Checklist of the birds of the Messolonghi Wetlands. In: De Nobel W.T. (ed) 1995.Birds of the Messolonghi wetlands.Eastern Mediterranean Wader Project, spring 1990. WIWO-report 53, Zeist. (pp. 137).,Foundation Working Group International Waterbirds And Wetland Research (WIWO) 17. Roussopoulos Y, 1989,http://ornithologiki.gr/page_iba.phpaID=91&loc=en, Hellenic Ornithological Society 18. Roussopoulos Y, 1990 Importantbird areas of Greece. Priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity. Hellenic Ornithological Society, Αθήνα. 183 p,Research project 8477 AUTH Research Committee 19. Roussopoulos Y, 1990, The nesting birds of the Messolonghi wetland,Bachelor thesis, 1990, TEI Messolongiou – Department of aquaculture - fishery 20. Roussopoulos Y, 1994, The decline of theLesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Aitolia, Western Greece in Biologia Gallo-hellenica, vol. 22 pp 161-170, 5e Gongesinternational, sur la zoogeographie et l' ecologie de la Crete et des regions avoisinantes - Iraklion, Avril 1990 21.Roussopoulos Y, 2009, http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/natura2000/SDFPublic.aspxsite=GR2310001, Department ofaquaculture - fishery 22. Roussopoulos Y, Series of years, Spring And Summer Observations From Mesolonghion, Greece,ARDEA, 54: 68-75, 1966 23. Roussopoulos Y, 2004. Bird ringing report (1985-2004). Hellenic Bird Ringing Center 24.Roussopoulos Y, 1986, A Preliminary Check-List Of The Birds Of The Messolonghi Wetlands (1860-1986) With SeasonalOccurrence And Population Data, In Biologia Gallo-Hellenica 1992 vol. 19(2): 5-28 (89-112), 25. Portolou, D., Bourdakis S.,Vlachos C., Kastritis Th. and Dimalexis T.. 2009. Important bird areas of Greece. Priority areas for the conservation ofbiodiversity. Hellenic Ornithological Society, Athens. 191 p 26. Ministry for the environment, physical planning and publicworks, general directorate of environment, environmental planning division, 36 Trikalon, GR11526 Athens- Ministry of ruraldevelopment and food - Kazantzidis S & Vareltzidou S, Hellenic Ornithological Society, 2009,http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/natura2000/SDFPublic.aspxsite=GR2310015 27. Akriotis T., Handrinos G., 2004. Birdringing report (1985-2004). Hellenic Bird Ringing Center, 164 p. 28. Psilovikos A. et al, Series of years, Evaluation andManagement Research of the water dynamic of the lower Acheloos basin for the development and environmental upgrade ofthe delta lagoons and their wider region. Research project 8477 AUTH Research Committee 29. Legakis A, Polymeni R.M.,Akriotis T., Tsekolef I., Galinou E. & Charantonis T., 2006 - 2008, Study of the migratory birds in Greece and south Ukraine –Final Report, Athens 2008