Natura 2000 in Hellas

Site Name: NISOI DESPOTIKO KAI STRONGYLO

Site Code:
    GR4220017
Type:
     B
Longtitude:
    24o 59 42
Latitude:
    36o 0840
Administrative Region:
    Notio Aigaio
Prefecture:
    Kyklades
Altitude (m):
    75
Area (ha):
    2628


Description:

The small islands of Strongylo and Despotiko are located near Antiparos and Paros at the centre of the Cyclades islands (Aegean sea). A zone of Posidonia beds surrounds the islets. The site is characterised by rocky lands which are covered by phryganas (dominated by Genista acanthoclada and Cistus spp.), dense mid-elevation matorral of Juniperus phoenicea (also on sandy dunes) and a garrigue with Quercus coccifera. There are some abandoned old cultivations which are now recovered by phryganas (Sarcopoterium spinosum and Thymus capitatus).


Habitat Types:

Posidonia beds, Large shallow inlets and bays, Vegetated sea cliffs of the Mediterranean coasts (with endemic Limonium spp.), Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Arthrocnemetalia fructicosae), Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria, Dune juniper thickets (Juniperus spp.), Mediterranean temporary ponds, Intermittently flowing Mediterranean rivers, Juniperus phoenicea arborescent matorral, Diss-dominated garrigues, Aegean phrygana (Sarcopoterium spinosum), Aegean calcareous cliffs, Pioneer vegetation of rock surfaces, Submerged or partly submerged sea caves.


Plant Species:

There is no information about plant species of this region.


Animal Species:

Monachus monachus.


Other important species:

-Flora: -
-Fauna: 4B, 6C


Impacts/Activities:

-Positive: -
-Neutral: 167
-Negative: 140, 210, 220, 690, 948 (IN) / 210, 220, 690 (AR)


Protection Status:

-National and Regional level: -
-International level: -


Significance:

The ecological quality of the site is due to the variety of well conserved natural habitat types, which are typical of the central Cyclades: Posidonia beds in the sea, phryganas, matorral and garrigues on the terrestrial part of the site. The human presence is low and not permanent. The pasture pressure is moderate and contributes to the conservation of phryganas. The seal Monachus monachus is a permanent resident of underwater caves of the islets. The biodiversity of the site is expected to be of great interest, but needs further investigation since only a few species of reptiles and gastropods have been described up to now.