former yugoslav republic of macedoniadatazone.birdlife.org/userfiles/file/ibas/... · 005 yu055...

431

Important Bird Areas in Europe – The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus. (PHOTO: NIGEL J. DENNIS/NHPA)

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF■■■■■MACEDONIA

OVERVIEW

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia occupies 25,715 km2

with a population of 2,066,000 people. New data on ImportantBird Areas (IBAs) are not available and therefore the 10 IBAsincluded here (Table 1, Map 1) are identical to those in the previouspan-European inventory (Grimmett and Jones 1989). The IBAsoccupy 1,907 km2, or 7% of the country’s surface area.

Four globally threatened or near-threatened species (Collaret al. 1994) occur. Aquila heliaca (003 possible breeder, 004) andFalco naumanni (007 and 008) meet the A1 criterion as breeding

species. Phalacrocorax pygmeus (005, 006, 010) and Pelecanuscrispus (006) occur as non-breeding birds or in winter.

The majority of IBAs are mountainous areas or river gorges.They hold important populations of species with an unfavourableconservation status in Europe (meeting the B2/B3 criteria),particularly breeding raptors, including Gyps fulvus, Neophronpercnopterus and Aquila chrysaetos. In 1989 hunting, poisoning andtrapping were recorded as common threats across the mountainIBAs. Three IBAs (005, 006, 010) are lakes of particular importancefor wintering waterbirds, with one (site 005) holding more than20,000 waterbirds in winter.

Map 1. Location, area andcriteria category of ImportantBird Areas in the FormerYugoslav Republic ofMacedonia.

2

1

10

8

3

9

4

7

6

5

Y U G O S L A V I A

A L B A N I AB U L G A R I A

G R E E C E

Area of IBA (ha)

A (7 IBAs)

B (3 IBAs)

Highest category ofcriteria met by IBA

2,500 to 7,999

8,000 to 19,999

20,000 to 49,999

50,000

0 50

km

100

432


Table 1. Summary of Important Bird Areas in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. 10 IBAs covering 1,907 km2

IBA 1989code code International name National name Area (ha) Criteria (see p. 11)

001 YU048 Sara mountains [parts of] Sar planina [parts of] 12,000 B2002 YU049 Korab mountain and Radika gorge Planina Korab i klisura Radike 50,000 B2

003 YU050 Babuna gorge, Topolka gorge, and Crn Kamen Klisura reke Babune i Topolke i Crn Kamen 2,500 A1004 YU051 River Bregalnica Reka Bregalnica 10,000 A1, B2

005 YU055 Lake Ohrid Ohridsko jezero 25,100 A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i006 YU056 Lake Prespa Prespansko jezero 40,000 A1

007 YU052 River Crna gorge Klisura Crna reka 40,000 A1, B2008 YU053 Demir kapija gorge Demir kapija 8,000 A1, B2

009 YU054 Kozuf i Bosava mountains (Kozuf mountain and Bosava region) Kozuf i Bosava mountains (Kozuf mountain and Bosava region) 20,000 B2010 YU057 Lake Dojran Dojransko jezero 4,200 A1

■ SITE ACCOUNTS

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria

Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B 1989 3 4 — B2Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B 1989 3 5 — B2


Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B 1989 — 10 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B 1989 6 7 — B2Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B 1989 — 10 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc Criteria1 Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle B 1989 — — — A1

1. Possibly breeds.

Sara mountains [parts of] B2 001Admin region Macedonia KosovoCoordinates 42°00’N 21°00’EAltitude — Area 12,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionHigh mountainous region (includes the peaks of Titov Vrh, PopovaŠapka, and Kobilica), with river gorges, cliffs and rocky hillsides,alpine pastures, and woodland (coniferous and deciduous). Land-usesinclude cattle-grazing and forestry. The area extends into Kosovo (thegiven area of 12,000 ha includes the part in Kosovo).

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest),Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Wetland (river/stream), Rocky areas(scree/boulders; inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture, Forestry

■■■■■ Birds

Other breeding species include Pernis apivorus (1–2 pairs), Falcoperegrinus (1 pair), Bonasa bonasia, Alectoris graeca, Dryocopusmartius, Saxicola rubetra, Lanius collurio and Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax(50–100 pairs), and possibly include Tetrao urogallus, Strix uralensis,Aegolius funereus, Dendrocopos leucotos, Picoides tridactylus andPyrrhocorax graculus. Gypaetus barbatus (1) and Gyps fulvus (15–20)also occur.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational None International None

■■■■■ Conservation issues

Threats Infrastructure (U), Intensified forest management (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

There is uncontrolled hunting in the Macedonian part, and forestrypractices and road building are adversely affecting the area. The areais a proposed Regional Park.

Korab mountain and Radika gorge B2 002Admin region —Coordinates 41°45’N 21°15’EAltitude — Area 50,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionCliffs, rocky gorges, mountains, woodland (deciduous and coniferous),and alpine pastures. Land-uses include cattle-grazing and forestry.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest),Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (scree/boulders; inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture, Forestry


Other breeding species include Circaetus gallicus (1 pair), Aquilaclanga/A. pomarina (1 pair), Hieraaetus pennatus (possibly 1–2 pairs),Falco biarmicus (1 pair), F. peregrinus (2–3 pairs), Bonasa bonasia,Caprimulgus europaeus, Alcedo atthis, Dryocopus martius, and possiblyDendrocopos leucotos, Dendrocopos medius and Picoides tridactylus.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneIBA covered by National Park (Mavrovo).


Threats Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Some illegal hunting and trapping of wildlife takes place.

Babuna gorge, Topolka gorge, A1 003and Crn KamenAdmin region —Coordinates 41°40’N 21°45’EAltitude — Area 2,500 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe gorges of the Topolka, Vardar and Babuna rivers with cliffs,riverine vegetation, and scrub-covered hillsides. Land-uses includehunting and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Scrub (scrub), Wetland (river/stream), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture, Hunting


Other breeding species include Ciconia nigra (1 pair), Neophronpercnopterus (2–3 pairs), Circaetus gallicus (1 pair), Buteo rufinus(2 pairs), Aquila chrysaetos (1 pair), Falco naumanni (a few pairs),F. biarmicus (1 pair), F. peregrinus (1 pair), Alectoris graeca, Bubobubo (1–2 pairs), Caprimulgus europaeus, Alcedo atthis and Coraciasgarrulus. Gypaetus barbatus and Gyps fulvus also occur.



Threats Other (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

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Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle B 1989 2 3 — A1Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B 1989 2 3 — B2

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPodiceps nigricollis W 1988 — 2,635 — A4i, B1i

Black-necked GrebePhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1988 — 600 — A1

Pygmy CormorantNetta rufina Red-crested Pochard W 1988 — 1,150 — A4i, B1i

Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaPhalacrocorax pygmeus W 1988 — 80 — A1

Pygmy CormorantPhalacrocorax pygmeus N 1989 — 200 — A1

Pygmy CormorantPelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican N 1989 — 58 — A1


Neophron percnopterus B 1989 8 15 — B2Egyptian Vulture

Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B 1989 9 12 — B2Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle B 1989 6 7 — B2Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle B 1989 4 7 — B2Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1989 15 20 — A1Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B 1989 3 5 — B2

With an age of 2–4 million years, this is one of the most ancient lakesin the world, harbouring many endemic species among its aquaticfauna.

Lake Prespa A1 006Admin region —Coordinates 40°49’N 21°00’EAltitude — Area 40,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA very large inland freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains andextending into Albania (Albanian site 003) and Greece (Limni MegaliPrespa, Greek site 047). The area given is the entire area of the lake.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water)Land-use Unknown


No data are available for breeding birds. The International WaterfowlCensus counts (in the Macedonian sector) in winters 1987 and 1988recorded (1988 data unless stated) Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (40),Netta rufina (80; 150 in 1987), Aythya fuligula (8,000) and Fulica atra(5,950). Additional reports of non-breeding birds include Podicepscristatus (1,300), Pelecanus crispus (58), Anser anser (200) and Mergusmerganser (90).



Threats Unknown

River Crna gorge A1, B2 007Admin region —Coordinates 41°19’N 22°00’EAltitude — Area 40,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA gorge with cliffs, scrub and woodland (including Fagus and Quercus),bare and eroded land, an artificial lake without vegetation, and grazingpasture. Land-uses include hunting, fishing, and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland,Wetland (standing fresh water; river/stream), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture, Fisheries/aquaculture, Hunting


Breeding species include Ciconia nigra (2–3 pairs), Buteo rufinus (1 pair),Aquila chrysaetos (4–7 pairs), Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair), H. fasciatus(1 pair), Falco biarmicus (1–2 pairs), F. peregrinus (2–3 pairs), Bonasabonasia, Alectoris graeca and Coracias garrulus. Gypaetus barbatus (1),Aegypius monachus (2) and Aquila heliaca (2–3) also occur.

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Low International NoneIBA partly covered by small Hunting Reserve.

There is possibly illegal poisoning of wildlife (‘Other’ threat) and theeggs and young of birds of prey are regularly stolen by foreigners.The area is a proposed Ornithological Reserve.

River Bregalnica A1, B2 004Admin region —Coordinates 41°45’N 22°00’EAltitude — Area 10,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA river valley with damp woodland, steppe habitat, bare eroded land,bushes and trees. There is a small area of cultivation and cattle-grazingin winter. The area is used for hunting.

Habitats Forest and woodland (alluvial/very wet forest), Scrub (scrub), Grassland(steppe/dry calcareous grassland)Land-use Agriculture, Hunting


Other breeding species include Milvus migrans (1–2 pairs), Neophronpercnopterus (2–3 pairs), Circaetus gallicus (1–2 pairs), Circus pygargus,Aquila heliaca (2–3 pairs), A. chrysaetos (1 pair), Falco peregrinus(1 pair), Caprimulgus europaeus, Alcedo atthis and Coracias garrulus;Buteo rufinus, Falco cherrug and Tetrax tetrax possibly breed. Gypsfulvus (18 birds) also occurs.



Threats Other (U)

There is possibly illegal poisoning of wildlife (‘Other’ threat).

Lake Ohrid A1, A4i, A4iii, B1i 005Admin region —Coordinates 41°07’N 20°45’EAltitude 750–750 m Area 25,100 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA large inland freshwater lake in a mountain basin, part of which isin Albania (see Albanian site 002).

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water)Land-use Unknown


No data are available for breeding season. The International WaterfowlCensus counts (in the Macedonian sector) in winter 1987 and 1988recorded (1988 data unless stated) Tachybaptus ruficollis (1,090),Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (70), P. aristotelis (10), Cygnus olor (100 in1987), Aythya ferina (7,050), A. fuligula (2,200) and Fulica atra (32,100).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International HighIBA covered by Ornithological Reserve. 25,100 ha of IBA covered byWorld Heritage Site (Ohrid Region; 25,100 ha).


Threats Unknown

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Species Season Year Pop min Pop max Acc CriteriaNeophron percnopterus B 1989 3 4 — B2

Egyptian VultureGyps fulvus Griffon Vulture B 1989 — 18 — B2Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle B 1989 1 2 — A1Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel B 1989 5 10 — A1


Neophron percnopterus B 1989 — 4 — B2Egyptian Vulture

Bubo bubo Eagle Owl B 1989 3 5 — B2


Phalacrocorax pygmeus W 1988 — 100 — A1Pygmy Cormorant


Threats Industrialization/urbanization (U), Other (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Problems at the site include illegal trapping and probably poisoningof wildlife (‘Other’ threat), and house-building.

Demir kapija gorge A1, B2 008Admin region —Coordinates 41°19’N 22°19’EAltitude — Area 8,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionThe site includes the Vardar gorge, Celevecka river and Krastavecridge with cliffs and rocky hillsides, scrub, and woodland; there arealso small areas of marsh, damp woodland, and some steppe habitatin the Vardar valley. Mainly inaccessible, some of the area is used asagricultural land, while hunting and cattle-grazing take place.

Habitats Forest and woodland, Scrub (scrub), Grassland (steppe/dry calcareousgrassland), Rocky areasLand-use Agriculture, Hunting


Breeding species include Ciconia nigra (1–2 pairs), Pernis apivorus(1–2 pairs), Milvus migrans (2–3 pairs), Circaetus gallicus (2 pairs),Accipiter brevipes (1 pair), Buteo rufinus (1 pair), Aquila chrysaetos(2 pairs), Hieraaetus pennatus (1 pair), Falco biarmicus (1–2 pairs),F. peregrinus (1 pair), Alectoris graeca, Bubo bubo (1–2 pairs), Coraciasgarrulus (3–4 pairs) and Cercotrichas galactotes. Gypaetus barbatus,Aegypius monachus and Falco cherrug also occur.



Threats Infrastructure (U), Other (U), Selective logging/cutting (U), Unsustainableexploitation (U)

Hunting, theft of raptor eggs and young by foreigners, road and quarrybuilding, and cutting of trees and bushes are problems at the site.Illegal poisoning and trapping of wildlife probably also occurs. Thearea is a proposed Ornithological Reserve.

Kozuf i Bosava mountains B2 009(Kozuf mountain andBosava region)Admin region —Coordinates 41°10’N 22°15’EAltitude — Area 20,000 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionA mountainous area with alpine pastures, cliffs, rocky hillsides, bareand eroded land, coniferous woodland (Pinus nigra, P. sylvestris, Abies

alba), and Fagus woodland. Land-uses include forestry and cattle-grazing.

Habitats Forest and woodland (broadleaved deciduous forest; native coniferous forest),Grassland (alpine/subalpine/boreal grassland), Rocky areas (inland cliff)Land-use Agriculture, Forestry


Breeding species include Ciconia nigra (2–3 pairs), Pernis apivorus (1–3pairs), Gypaetus barbatus (1 pair), Aquila pomarina (1 pair), A. chrysaetos(3 pairs), Hieraaetus fasciatus (1 pair), Falco peregrinus (1 pair), Bonasabonasia, Alectoris graeca, and possibly Aegolius funereus, Coraciasgarrulus, Dendrocopos leucotos and Picoides tridactylus. Small flocks ofFalco eleonorae also occur during the summer.



Threats Intensified forest management (U), Other (U), Unsustainable exploitation (U)

Problems at the site include hunting, illegal trapping and poisoning,and forestry.

Lake Dojran A1 010Admin region —Coordinates 41°12’N 22°45’EAltitude — Area 4,200 ha

■■■■■ Site descriptionShallow eutrophic lake, with extensive reedbeds extending into Greece(site 023) There is an intensive traditional fishing industry.

Habitats Wetland (standing fresh water; water-fringe vegetation)Land-use Fisheries/aquaculture


Formerly important for breeding waterfowl including Pelecanusonocrotalus, Egretta alba, Ardea purpurea, Cygnus olor and Oxyuraleucocephala; however, no data on breeding species are available forrecent years. The International Waterfowl Census counts in winter1987 and 1988 recorded (1988 data unless stated) Gavia arctica (10),Podiceps nigricollis (40), Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (10), Aythyaferina (1,150), and Fulica atra (6,350).

■■■■■ Protection statusNational Partial International NoneIBA protected by Ornithological Reserve.


Threats Unknown

REFERENCES

COLLAR, N. J., CROSBY, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to watch 2:the world list of threatened birds. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International(Conservation Series 4).

GRIMMETT, R. F. A. AND JONES T. A. (1989) Important Bird Areas inEurope. Cambridge, UK: International Council for Bird Preservation (Tech.Publ. 9).

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