Pafos Forest
As of the 22nd November 2005 this site was designated an SPA.
The site occupies the northwest part of the Troodos mountain massif. Its boundaries more or less coincide with the boundaries of the Main State Forest of Pafos forest, which represent 96% of the site. It covers a large area from near sea level up to the peak of Tripylos at 1,352m. The site is the most important area of Cyprus for nesting raptors. It supports the highest number of breeding Bonelli's eagle and Goshawk. Two more species, the Griffon vulture and the Black vulture, which used to nest at the site, have now disappeared as breeding species. Griffon vultures regularly visit the site to drink water from the spring in the Tripylos area. The site supports the biggest populations of the endemic Short-toed treecreeper, the Cyprus wheatear, the Cyprus warbler and the Coal tit. Notably, this is the only site where Sparrowhawk have been recorded breeding in Cyprus .
Problems:
The fire risk is high, but the frequency of fires is low, mainly due to forestry management. Current construction of firebreaks, however, can lead to serious destruction and fragmentation of habitat. 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.
