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close| Location | Cyprus, Larnaca District |
| Central coordinates | 33o 37.00' East 34o 52.00' North |
| IBA criteria | C2, C4, C6 |
| Area | 1,814 ha |
| Altitude | 0 - 11m |
| Year of IBA assessment | 2004 |
Ornithological information The site is very important for wintering waterbirds and as a resting-place for many species of waterbirds, waders and passerines during migration. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Branta ruficollis (wintering), Circus macrourus (passage).
Site description The IBA covers four salt-lakes, which dry out in summer, surrounding agricultural land and Salicornia scrub. The north-eastern corner of the site borders the suburbs of Larnaca and several military camps, whilst Larnaca International Airport adjoins on the eastern side (one of the lakes is bisected by a runway).
Populations of IBA trigger species
| Species | Season | Period | Population estimate | Quality of estimate | IBA Criteria | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus | winter | - | 3,000-5,000 individuals | - | C2 | Least Concern |
| Common Crane Grus grus | passage | - | 500-1,000 individuals | - | C2 | Least Concern |
| Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus | breeding | - | 5-10 breeding pairs | - | C6 | Least Concern |
| Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus | breeding | - | 5-10 breeding pairs | - | C6 | Least Concern |
| Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus | breeding | - | 3-5 breeding pairs | - | C6 | Least Concern |
| Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus | passage | - | 250-350 individuals | - | C2, C6 | Least Concern |
| Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus | winter | - | 5,000-6,000 individuals | - | C2 | Least Concern |
| A4iii Species group - waterbirds | - | - | 20,000-38,000 individuals | - | C4 |
Protected areas
| Protected area | Designation | Area (ha) | Relationship with IBA | Overlap with IBA (ha) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alykes Larnacas SPA | Protected Area | 1,761 | protected area contained by site | 1,761 | |
| ALYKES LARNAKAS - CY6000002 | Birds Directive | 1,560 | protected area overlaps with site | 1,194 | |
| Larnaca Lake Permanent Game Reserve (SpPA) | Game Reserve | 678 | protected area contained by site | 678 | |
| Larnaca Salt Lake | Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) | 1,585 | protected area contained by site | 1,585 |
|
Habitats
| IUCN habitat | Habitat detail | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | Heathland; Sclerophyllous scrub, garrigue and maquis; Scrub | minor |
| Wetlands (inland) | Fens, transition mires and springs; Salt marshes; Standing brackish and salt water; Water fringe vegetation | 22% |
| Artificial landscapes (terrestrial) | Arable land; Other urban and industrial areas | 39% |
| Coastline | Lagoons; Mud flats & sand flats; Sand dunes & beaches; Sea cliffs and rocky shores; Shingle & stony beaches | 37% |
| Grassland | 1% |
Land use
| Land-use | Extent (% of site) |
|---|---|
| agriculture | 20% |
| urban/industrial/transport | 10% |
| nature conservation and research | 70% |
Management considerations The area is coming under threat from development for tourism and the encroachment of both the airport and the Larnaca suburbs, and is affected by pollution from the airport. A desalination plant is to be constructed near the Larnaca sewage-treatment plant at the end of 1999. Night hunting is a threat, which, due to its indiscriminate nature, can lead to protected species being shot. The Environment Department has drafted a management plan, which states that the lakes and marginal land within 500 m of the shore should be protected. The lakes to the south of the airport and east of the road from Meneou to Spyros beach are a Permanent Game Reserve, and hold the Larnaca sewage-treatment plant. The main lake to the north and west of the main road is also a Permanent Game Reserve, with the designation only covering the area that is under water.
Protection status National High International None678 ha of IBA covered by Permanent Game Reserve (Larnaca Lake, 678 ha). 1,172 ha of IBA covered by Temporary Game Reserve.
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Recommended citation BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Larnaca salt-lakes. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 26/05/2013
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