Agios Efstratios island - Map Area - Hellenic Ornithological Society

Criteria: A4ii, B1iii, B2, C2
Coordinates: 39° 31' 3.393" N 25° 0' 33.328" E	Altitude: 0-298 m	Area: 11846 ha
Region: Voreio Aigaio		Prefecture: Lesvos

MEMORANDUM

Map:

Site description:

This is an isolated island in the north Aegean Sea. The area includes the island of Agios Efstratios and the neighbouring islets of Agioi Apostoloi, Agia Eleni and Thaskoloi. The largest part of the island is characterized by hills with vertical rocky outcrops along the coastline, especially to the east. To the west, small valleys stretch to the sea, the largest one hosting the village of Agios Efstratios. The dominating vegetation is phrygana although a significant percent of the land is also covered by thin oak forest. Cultivations only occur in the lowland zone to the northeast, as well as close to the village. The main land uses on the island include livestock breeding, fisheries and agriculture.

Habitats:

Grassland (89.2 %), Artificial landscapes (4.6 %), Shrubland (4.2 %).

Birds:

An important area for breeding seabirds, raptors and migratory species.

Species	Year	Season Status	Abundance	Minimum Population	Maximum Population	Units	Data accuracy	Criteria 2000
Puffinus yelkouan	2005-8	B	F				B
Gulosus aristotelis	2005	R		47	47	I*	A
Falco naumanni	2005-8	P	F				B
Falco vespertinus	2005-8	P	F				B
Falco eleonorae	2005	B		281	281	P	A	A4ii, B1iii, B2, C2
Emberiza caesia	2005-6	B	F				B
Gulosus aristotelis	2009	B		48	60	P	A	B3

Protection Status:

• SCI: GR4110002 Agios Efstratios kai paraktia thalassia zoni (6,284 ha, 100 %)

Conservation issues:

The main threats for the area’s priority species are overgrazing in specific localities of the shrubland and forest and deliberate burning of phrygana. A serious threat for seabirds and Falco eleonorae nesting on the islets and coastal cliffs is the presence of rats, an invasive species preying on chicks and eggs. Moreover, accidental trapping in fishing gear (nets and longlines) comprises a threat for Puffinus yelkouan and Phalacrocorax aristotelis. The potential installation of wind farms in the area is expected to have a negative effect on the populations of priority species. The development plans for Agios Efstratios should take into account the conservation needs of its avifauna.

References / useful links:

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