Riaño (1657)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Riaño
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.0833, Longitude: -5.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 960 to 2190
Area of KBA (km2): 1083.46911
Protected area coverage (%): 85.68
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area in the Cordillera Cantábrica with steep slopes covered by scrub and grasslands, deciduous woodland and limestone cliffs at higher altitudes. The summer pastures are grazed by sheep and cattle. Other activities include game hunting and forestry.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This is an important site for species associated with forests.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (80%) | forestry (30%) | hunting (90%) | nature conservation and research (10%) | water management (10%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Grassland | 26 | |
| Shrubland | 34 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats include hydroelectric schemes, the development of the ski infrastructure, deforestation to create new pastures, overgrazing and the pressure from tourism.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Wood & pulp plantations | Small-holder plantations | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Nomadic grazing | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Persecution/control | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |