Oña and Tesla mountain ranges (1668)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierras de Oña y de la Tesla
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.8333, Longitude: -3.5000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 750 to 1332
Area of KBA (km2): 408.44248
Protected area coverage (%): 87.98
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountain range in the north of Burgos province with numerous cliffs and two small gorges. The slopes are covered by scrub, Pinus plantations and small Quercus and Fagus woodlands. The area is used for livestock grazing, forestry and hunting.
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 cliff-nesting birds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (35%) | forestry (55%) | hunting (60%) | not utilised (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 3 | |
| Forest | 14 | |
| Shrubland | 14 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 24 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 45 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats include the enlargement of a road in one of the gorges, the growing use of poison baits, afforestation and game hunting.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Excess energy | Noise pollution | Only in the future |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the past and unlikely to return | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future |