Arlanza Valley-Peñas de Cervera (1688)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Valle del Arlanza - Peñas de Cervera
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.0000, Longitude: -3.4167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 860 to 1455
Area of KBA (km2): 592.99849
Protected area coverage (%): 64.99
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of limestone cliffs carved by the Rivers Arlanza and Mataviejas. The slopes and plateaus are covered by Juniperus and Quercus woodland, scrub and arable agriculture in the valleys.
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: This is an important site for cliff-nesting raptors.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (35%) | forestry (25%) | hunting (65%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 8 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 8 | |
| Shrubland | 20 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 35 | |
| Forest | 30 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from afforestation with Eucalyptus, canalization of the rivers, and hunting.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Shifting agriculture | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Wood & pulp plantations | Small-holder plantations | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Small dams | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |