Cyprus Important Bird Areas (IBA's)

Machairas Forest

Machairas IBA site covers an area of 8,266ha at the eastern part of Troodos range,  48.3% of which is state forest. The lowest part of Machairas forest, with an altitude of 400m, is close to Lythrodontas village to the east while the highest point is Kionia peak, at 1423m. The site is one of the most important sites in Cyprus for two Birds Directive Annex 1 species. Five other Annex 1 species regularly breedin the site. The site also holds one of the two breeding populations of Blackbird in Cyprus .

Problems

Fire is a constant threat for Machairas Forest , the risk of which further rises due to the frequency of public use during the summer months. Hunting is permitted within the site, but this need not pose a threat provided enforcement of the relevant law is strict and hunting is exercised in a sustainable manner, taking into account the conservation needs of the species for which the site is designated. 

Priority species:  

Site details: