El Cielo (10085)
Mexico, Central America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1b, A1e, B1
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: El Cielo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 23.1475, Longitude: -99.2731
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 1860.532731
Protected area coverage (%): 71.45
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: It is located in the state of Tamaulipas, within the province of Sierra Madre Oriental on its eastern slope and has an area of 184,036 ha. The altitude is from sea level to 2,500 meters above sea level. Its orography, altitude and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make this area a natural barrier to the humid winds that come from the east and southeast, discharging their moisture here as rain or fog. Threats include agriculture (moderate and extensive), deforestation (due to agriculture and illegal cutting), poorly planned tourism, cattle ranching (moderate extensive) and poaching.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site holds the entire known populations of three species of plants. It also holds important populations of the salamander, Chiropterotriton cracens. Ten bird species triggers legacy KBA criteria and are in need of reassessment.
Manageability of the site: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2000 by BirdLife partners and confirmed as a KBA/AZE during the 2015-2018 amphibian AZE update. A manageability rationale is not available.
Delineation rationale: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2000 by BirdLife partners and confirmed as a KBA/AZE during the 2015-2018 amphibian AZE update. A delineation rationale is not available.