River Lobos canyon (1687)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Cañón del Río Lobos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.7833, Longitude: -3.1000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 950 to 1200
Area of KBA (km2): 102.09342
Protected area coverage (%): 98.59
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A limestone canyon with slopes that are covered by Pinus forest, maquis, scrub and grassland. The area is used for forestry, tourism and sheep-grazing.
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: A very important area for cliff-nesting raptors, particularly Gyps fulvus.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | forestry | nature conservation and research (26%) | not utilised
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 12 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 | |
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 26 | |
| Forest | 12 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from the high pressure from tourism and sand extraction from the river.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Shifting agriculture | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Logging & wood harvesting | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Large dams | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing |