Central ranges of the Cantabric mountains (1655)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierras Centrales de la Cordillera Cantábrica
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.1000, Longitude: -5.3667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 2189
Area of KBA (km2): 1066.1944
Protected area coverage (%): 83.79
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area in the central Cordillera Cantábrica, between Asturias and León. The area is crossed by deep valleys, with grasslands and deciduous woodland, and scrub and rocky areas at higher altitudes. The main human activities are forestry, game hunting and tourism.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: This is an important area for breeding raptors, particularly Neophron percnopterus and Aquila chrysaetos, and for breeding forest species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (85%) | forestry | hunting (90%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 7 | |
| Grassland | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 7 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 7 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Enlargement of the ski infrastructure, tourism and dams are the main threats. Woodland fires and grassland fires, used to provide grazing, are also problems.