Dionysades islets, Crete - Map Area - Hellenic Ornithological Society

Criteria: A1, A4ii, B1ii, B1iii, B2, C1, C2, C6
Coordinates: 35° 20' 57.688" N 26° 10' 25.820" E	Altitude: 0-149 m	Area: 17502 ha
Region: Kriti		Prefecture: Lasithi

MEMORANDUM

Map:

Site description:

The area includes a complex of inaccessible islets (Dragonada, Gianisada, Paximada and Prasonisi) located off Siteia at the northeastern edge of Crete. They are characterized by a complex relief and steep rocky shores, and are covered by low shrubs of Mastic Trees (Pistacia lentiscus) and Tree Spurge (Euphorbia dendroides) as well as phrygana. Stands of Phoenicean Junipers (Juniperus phoenicea) form at the northeast of Dragonada. The islets are uninhabited and the only human activity nowadays is fisheries. Tourist visits are limited and grazing has been prohibited since 1986.

Habitats:

Grassland (69.1 %), Coastline (10.1 %), Shrubland (9.8 %).

Birds:

An important area for Falco eleonorae, seabirds and migratory species. This islet complex is renowned both in Greece and internationally because of the implementation of the longest-running bird monitoring programme in the country. The German ornithologist Dietrich Ristow and his team have been studying and monitoring the Falco eleonorae and Calonectris diomedea colonies for more than 35 years and have published many scientific papers.

Species	Year	Season Status	Abundance	Minimum Population	Maximum Population	Units	Data accuracy	Criteria 2000
Calonectris diomedea	1998-08	B		700	1000	P	A	B1ii, B2, C2, C6
Puffinus yelkouan	2007-8	B		8	12	P	C
Falco naumanni	2004-6	P	P				C	A1, C1
Falco eleonorae	2004-5	B		560	620	P	A	A4ii, B1iii, B2, C2
Larus audouinii	1994	B		0	6	P	A
Calonectris diomedea	1998-2012	B		710	1010	P	A	B1ii, B2, C2, C6

Protection Status:

• SPA: GR4320011 Dionysades Nisoi (532 ha, 93 %)

• SCI: GR4320006 Voreioanatoliko akro Kritis: Dionysades, Elasa kai chersonisos Sidero (Akra Mavrovouni - Vai - Akra Plakas) kai thalassia zoni (13,073 ha, 100 %)

• WR: Dionysades nisoi Dimou Siteias (532 ha, 93 %)

Conservation issues:

A major threat for the protected breeding species is predation by rats, a species accidentally introduced through human activities (possibly through fishing boats). It has now become a resident species and survives at the expense of local biodiversity, preying on eggs and chicks of Falco eleonorae and seabirds. During the ’80s, a reduction of Falco eleonorae breeding pairs was recorded in the area due to direct poisoning from the consumption of water containing agrochemicals illegally used for the control of passerines at vineyards. Furthermore, illegal hunting and the subsequent disturbance caused by this activity causes problems to breeding birds since illegal hunters often visit the islets in order to hunt wild rabbits or migratory birds. Monitoring and conservation activities are taking place in the area by the Natural History Museum of Crete and HOS.

References / useful links:

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GR192 - Dionysades islets, Crete

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