Special Areas for Conservation (SACs) are those which have been given greater protection by the European Union's Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), also known as the 'Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora'.
SACs are designated because of a possible threat to the special habitats or species which they contain. This provides increased protection to a variety of animals, plants and habitats of importance to biodiversity on a national and international scale.