Kalymnos, Telendos, Kalolimnos islands and surrounding islets
GR162
26° 59’ 20.659” E, 36° 57’ 47.468” N Area: 183 km 2 Region: Notio Aigaio • Prefecture: Dodekanisa
A1, C1 Seaward Extension
Site Description This marine IBA includes all coastal waters surrounding the western, southern and southeastern Kalymnos island, extending up to the western coast of Pserimos island. The marine IBA excludes the northeastern part of Kalymnos coastline from Petronda Bay until Pezonda Bay. The boundary contains a 0.5 n.m. marine extension and encloses 12 islets, as well as the inhabited island of Telendos. The coastline of Kalymnos and Telendos is typically rocky, with impressive vertical limestone faces and coastal cliffs, covered by chasmophytic and phryganic, intensively grazed vegetation. Apart from the islets of Agia Kyriaki and Nera which have been afforested with pine plantations, the remaining islets are low-lying, exhibiting sparse shrubland and
phrygana, suitable for nesting seabirds. Although coastal waters in the region have been overfished for decades, the site still comprises very important fishing grounds, characterised by deep waters to the west and strong currents. Mediterranean Monk Seals are present within the area.
Ornithological Importance identified in 1997. The birds have been recorded to breed on 5 different islets in the area. The breeding population size has declined over the last 3 years.
The IBA includes marine areas which are important foraging and resting areas for the Audouin’s Gull which breeds here. Its colony is formed by a small but relatively stable population which was first species
related IBA
Larus audouinii
GR162
year
season
min
max
unit
accuracy
criteria
1997-2012
B
11
35
P
good
A1, C1
Other Species of Interest All remaining common seabird species occur in this area. A small population of the Mediterranean Shag (11-35 pairs) also breeds in the area, nests being sparsely situated on the rocky coast of Kalymnos and on a number of nearby islets. The species is resident all year round, forming larger flocks during the post-breeding season when individuals gather from the surrounding coastal areas. The site constitutes an important foraging area for
large flocks of Cory’s and Yelkouan Shearwaters (up to 1,200 and 400 individuals counted, respectively), although breeding of these species has not been confirmed. Thus the boundaries of the IBA are expected to be extended in the future to incorporate shearwater foraging areas. Yellow-legged Gulls breed on the islets. Their population is estimated at 250-420 pairs.
Uses, Threats, Management
Kalymnos is one of the most populated islands of the Dodecanese and an important domestic tourist destination. For centuries, the island has depended 140
on the fisheries sector, possessing one of the largest fishing fleets in Greece which consists of both smallscale and medium fisheries. This has led to the