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Important Bird Area-GR143

Ikaria island is characterized as an Important Bird Area and has an international code GR143-Ikaria Island, as attributed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.

According to the Society, Ikaria is an important area for breeding raptors and migratory birds. There nare also found species of global conservation concern, that do not meet IBA criteria, such as Haliaeetus albicilla and Falco naumanni (3-5 breeding pairs).

Species Season Period Population of estimate Quality of estimate IBA criteria IUCN Category
Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) breeding 1996 abundant [units unknown] - B2 Least concerned
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) resident 1996 5 breeding pairs medium B2 Least concernecd
Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciatus) resident 1996 3 breeding pairs medium B2 Least concerned
Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) breeding - present [units unknown] - A1,B2,C1,C6 Near threatened


The main threats for birds in the area, are grazing and the opening of new roads. Tourism and hunting are limited. Part of the area is a candidate SAC. Other serious threats are: abandonment / reduction of land management (low), agricultural intensification(high), deforestation (commercial) (medium), firewood collection (moderate), forest grazing (high), infrastructures (medium), selective logging cutting (medium), unsustainable exploitation (low).

Birdwatching lovers should be very interesting in exploring bird life if Ikaria!

Habitats