River Ebro dam (1661)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Embalse del Ebro
Central coordinates: Latitude: 43.0000, Longitude: -3.9500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 920
Area of KBA (km2): 129.44702
Protected area coverage (%): 95.12
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A wide, generally shallow reservoir with surrounding wet grassland and bogs. Human activities include livestock-farming and arable agriculture.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: This is a very important site for resident and passage waterbirds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Tetrax tetrax (38-63 non-breeding individuals).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (25%) | fisheries/aquaculture (70%) | tourism/recreation (15%) | urban/industrial/transport (10%) | water management (80%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 10 | |
| Shrubland | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 80 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats come from the transfer of water from the River Ebro to the River Besaya which is reducing the water-level of the reservoir (`Other' threats, above), and a project to create a golf course. Hunting is forbidden.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |