Arribes del Duero-Fermoselle (1679)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Arribes del Duero - Fermoselle
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.4167, Longitude: -6.2500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 823
Area of KBA (km2): 566.50197
Protected area coverage (%): 94.36
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An area of granitic cliffs along the River Duero. The slopes covered in Quercus woodland, sclerophyllous scrub and grassland. The main human activities are arable cultivation and livestock-farming.
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 raptors and breeding Ciconia nigra.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (55%) | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 30 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 10 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 25 | |
| Shrubland | 10 | |
| Grassland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from the abandonment of traditional land-use and disturbance along the river from recreational activities.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Only in the past and unlikely to return | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |