Key Biodiversity Areas

Upper sections of the rivers Tajo and Tajuña (1698)
Spain, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1aA1c
Year of last assessment: 2019
National site name: Alto Tajo y Tajuña
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.8000, Longitude: -2.2500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 1744
Area of KBA (km2): 1570.87201
Protected area coverage (%): 79.55
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A limestone canyon along the upper reaches of the Rivers Tajo and Tajuña. Vegetation includes Pinus forest, garrigue and grassland areas.
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: The site is important for cliff-nesting raptors.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture | forestry | tourism/recreation
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Grassland12
Wetlands(Inland)12
Forest26
Artificial - Terrestrial12
Shrubland12
Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks)26

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats are from more intensive forest management and disturbance from increasing recreational activities, particularly angling and canoeing.