Geropotamos estuary, Crete - Map Area - Hellenic Ornithological Society

Criteria: A4i, B1i, C2
Coordinates: 35° 3' 26.922" N 24° 45' 41.358" E	Altitude: 1-92 m	Area: 611 ha
Region: Kriti		Prefecture: Irakleio

MEMORANDUM

Map:

Site description:

The estuary of Geropotamos is located at Messara bay, south Crete. In its north part lies the temporary brackish marsh of Katalyki, while to its south the wetland of Pacheia Ammos (temporary marsh, wet meadows and sand dunes) which is the best preserved part of the river’s estuary. The area is surrounded by agricultural land with intensive cultivations, many of which in greenhouses. The river and its estuary are found within a military zone.

Habitats:

Artificial landscapes (74.7 %), Coastline (11.3 %), Grassland (10.2 %), Shrubland (2.5 %).

Birds:

An important area for migrating waterbirds and waders. Other species with significant populations in the area are Ardeola ralloides (P) and Tringa glareola (P). The delta of Geropotamos with its temporary lakes, extensive wet meadows and reedbeds was the largest wetland complex on Crete. It used to be of particular importance for passage avifauna and wintering species or species that find shelter in these wetlands during harsh winters, when the wetlands of mainland Europe do not provide suitable conditions. Despite the fact that its area has now decreased considerably, it is still the most significant wetland in southern Crete for migratory birds.

Species	Year	Season Status	Abundance	Minimum Population	Maximum Population	Units	Data accuracy	Criteria 2000
Aythya nyroca	2004	P	P				A
Aythya nyroca	2004	W		0	3	I	A
Plegadis falcinellus	2004	P		500	0	I	A	A4i, B1i, C2
Falco vespertinus	1998-02	P	P				C
Circus macrourus	1998-02	P	P				C
Clanga clanga	2004	W		0	2	I	A
Aquila heliaca	2003	P		1	0	I	U
Gallinago media	2003-8	P	P				C
Merops apiaster	1994	B		30	30	P	U

Protection Status:

• SPA: GR4310012 Ekvoli Geropotamou Messaras (685 ha, 82 %)

• SCI: GR4310004 Dytika Asterousia (apo Agiofarango eos Kokkino Pyrgo) (2,651 ha, 12 %)

Conservation issues:

This wetland complex receives significant pressures, resulting in the degradation of its value and the shrinkage of its natural ecosystems. The main threats are related to agricultural expansion and intensification, pollution from olive press waste, the operation of the landfill at Pacheia Ammos and the uncontrolled disposal of greenhouse covering plastic waste, increased disturbance caused by illegal hunting, road construction and urbanisation which has led to the shrinkage of wet meadows and sand dunes. Furthermore, the plans for the construction of a transit port for container vessels at Messara bay is expected to bring about serious negative effects to the wetland. In recent years, infrastructures adjacent to the military zone are continuously expanding within the wetland. The boundaries of the wetland should be delineated as soon as possible and a Wildlife Refuge should be established.

References / useful links:

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GR186 - Geropotamos estuary, Crete

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