The Cabras Lagoon Special Protection Area covers the same lagoon system protected by SAC ITB030036, but serves a different legal purpose: while the SAC derives from the Habitats Directive and protects habitats and species of flora and fauna, the SPA is designated under the Birds Directive 2009/147/EC for the conservation of wild birds and their stopover, wintering and breeding sites.
The overlap between the two designations is common in wetlands of European importance and entails the joint application of the conservation measures laid down by both directives.
Site data
- Natura 2000 code: ITB034008
- Designation: Special Protection Area (SPA)
- Biogeographical region: Mediterranean
- Reference directive: Birds 2009/147/EC
- Territorial managing body: Municipality of Cabras
Birds of Community interest
The lagoon hosts significant numbers of waterbirds, particularly during the wintering period and on migration:
- Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
- Western swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
- Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
- Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
- Little egret (Egretta garzetta)
- Purple heron (Ardea purpurea)
- Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
- Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
- Common tern (Sterna hirundo) and little tern (Sternula albifrons)
Pressure factors
The main issues for birdlife are disturbance at nesting sites, changes in the hydraulic and salinity regime of the lagoon, and the loss of riparian vegetation. The SPA conservation measures focus on keeping breeding areas undisturbed and on managing water levels.
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).