| Σχόλιο για τις αξίες |
This site is one of the most significant wetlands of the Ionian Islands and important not only for the conservation of wildlife but also for the economy of the area (approximately 15% of the population of the islands depends on fishing, farming and related activities for its income). The variety of habitats, together with the existence of a rich flora representative of both sand-dunes, salt-marshes and sand meadows and the existence of the local endemic plant taxon, Arenaria leucadia, are elements which support the ecological and scientific value of the site. In addition to these, we should keep in mind the role of the wetlands in relation to the conservation of the local fauna and bird migration. It should also be emphasized that the proximity of this site to another important wetland (Amvrakikos Gulf) and that these two sites should be considered probably as part of the same unique ecosystem. The site is important for wintering and passage waterbirds. A large number of waterbirds winter at the area, as it is one of the very few wetlands in Greece that hunting prohibition is practically implemented, as the lagoon is sited by the town of Lefkas. Species of concern include Pelecanus crispus, Egretta alba, Larus genei. Reptiles and one fish mentioned in Annex II of the Directive 92/43/EEC are encountered in this site. The Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta caretta, is a priority species of the above Directive and a threatened taxon of the Greek fauna ("Endangered" according to the Greek Red Data Book). Some more vertebrate taxa (birds excluded) recorded in the area are evaluated as Other Important Species as they receive one to two of the motivations used in section 3.3. All these taxa are protected by the Bern Convention therefore being marked by the C motivation. Τhe toad Bufo viridis, the lizard Lacerta trilineata and the snakes Coluber najadum and Natrix tessellata, are also protected by the Greek Presidential Decree 67/1981 thus being eligible for motivation D. This motivation is also given to B. viridis, N. tessellata and the lizard Ablepharus kitaibelii, since they are listed in the catalogues of the CORINE-Biotopes Projects handbook. These wetlands are also notable as being important areas for a variety of migratory birds. They have been evaluated as having international importance according to the Ramsar Convention (as a part of the Amvrakikos Gulf wetlands unit). Moreover, it is a specially protected area according to the Directive 79/409/EEC, the Barcelona Convention, and Greek legislation. The invertebrate species Zerynthia polyxena (section 3.3, motivation C) is protected by the Bern Convention. |
