MIGRATORY SPECIES

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]

 

II.  THE STATE OF BIODIVERSITY

II.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF ALBANIA FOR MIGRATORY SPECIES

The coastal wetlands and lakes inside the country are particularly important sites for the wintering of migratory species since about 70 waterfowl species with a population of 180,000 are wintering in these areas. At least four from them (Karavasta, Narta, Shkodra and Ohrid) can be considered as sites of international importance for waterfowls known as IBAs (Important Bird Areas), or Ramsar sites, with more than 20,000 waterfowl species at each site. At this time, only Karavasta has Ramsar status.

 

II.4.1 The Importance of Albania for Globally Threatened Species

In Albania, there are a number of globally threatened species since at least 72 vertebrate and 18 invertebrate species with global importance have at least part of their habitats and population in Albania. For some of them (Pelecanus crispus, Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Salmo letnica and Acipenser sturio), Albania has a critical importance.