The reed bed of Orikum, with its 150 hectares is one of the biggest reed beds in Albania and one of the most important habitats regarding bird migration. It is located at the Strait of Otranto, a bottleneck for bird migration, therefore the importance of the habitat is even higher. It serves as a 'refueling' station and resting spot for tens of thousands of migratory birds crossing the Adriatic Sea every year. It is also a unique and essential area for migratory birds heading to Southern Europe and Africa along the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The number of brackish reed beds and other wetlands along the sea shore has dramatically declined in the 20th century. The protection of the remaining wetlands and reed beds is a highly important task for all of us. We should act against the nowadays serious threats such as burning and over grazing, filling with solid materials, constructing on reed beds and wetlands and using them as dumpsites. The reed bed and the Karaburun Peninsula are also important migration hotspots for the threatened European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) as well. This concealing nocturnal and ground nesting bird spends the daytime hiding in the bushes and pine forests of the area and only goes to feed after sunset. The nightjar feeds on nocturnal insects over the reed bed and the lagoon. The mosaic habitat of Orikum and Karaburun ensures the species gain enough energy for their long journey to Africa.

Type of Data Point - Publicly Available Information

Reed Bed Orikum - Public Info

Visit page of the element - Reed Bed Orikum

Inserted: 11-04-2023 17:04:03