Key Biodiversity Areas

Esla dam (1674)
Spain, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Embalse del Esla
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.6667, Longitude: -5.7833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 686 to 750
Area of KBA (km2): 264.71438
Protected area coverage (%): 1.22
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A long, narrow reservoir on the River Esla surrounded by cereal crops.
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: An important site for wintering wildfowl and resident steppic species. It is the only site for wintering Anser fabalis in the Iberian peninsula.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture (90%) | water management
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Wetlands(Inland)5
Shrubland10
Forest10
Artificial - Terrestrial76

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from disturbance from visitors and irrigation plans.