La Cabrera mountain range (1664)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de La Cabrera
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.2500, Longitude: -6.7500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 2125
Area of KBA (km2): 762.83271
Protected area coverage (%): 62.57
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area in the western Cantabrian Range, with extensive areas of scrub, patches of Quercus woodland, plantations of Pinus sylvestris, and alpine grasslands grazed by sheep and cows. The site includes 13 lakes.
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 area for forest and alpine grassland species, particularly Perdix perdix and raptors. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Falco naumanni (non-breeding).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | forestry | hunting | not utilised | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 12 | |
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 12 | |
| Grassland | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 12 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The most important threat is the enlargement of open-cast slate quarries. Other threats include fires, hydro-power schemes and unplanned tourism. The lakes are protected at a regional level.