The Mistras Lagoon Special Protection Area protects, under the Birds Directive 2009/147/EC, the lagoon system between the Sinis Peninsula and the Gulf of Oristano, largely overlapping SAC ITB030034. The coexistence of the two designations reflects the twofold value of the site: lagoon and dune habitats of Community interest on one hand, bird populations of European importance on the other.
Site data
- Natura 2000 code: ITB034006
- Designation: Special Protection Area (SPA)
- Biogeographical region: Mediterranean
- Reference directive: Birds 2009/147/EC
- Territorial managing body: Municipality of Cabras / Municipality of Oristano
Birds of Community interest
Shallow waters, salt flats and sand bars provide favourable conditions for both feeding and nesting:
- Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
- Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
- Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
- Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
- Little tern (Sternula albifrons)
- Slender-billed gull (Chroicocephalus genei)
- Little egret (Egretta garzetta)
- Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Pressure factors
Nesting on sandy substrate makes the colonies particularly vulnerable to trampling and to unleashed dogs during the breeding season. Maintaining water exchange with the sea is decisive for water quality and food availability.
For official up-to-date data and the full Natura 2000 Standard Data Form, see the Natura 2000 Network Viewer (opens in a new window).