Key Biodiversity Areas

Coria mountain ranges (1723)
Spain, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierras de Coria y de Cañaveral
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.8333, Longitude: -6.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 300 to 625
Area of KBA (km2): 698.86361
Protected area coverage (%): 33.48
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A plain to the south-east of Coria crossed by a small range of hills. Most of the area is dehesa with areas of arable land, scrub, grassland, Quercus woodland and Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations. The main human activity is livestock-farming.
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 forest- and cliff-nesting raptors.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture (26%) | hunting (26%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Shrubland30
Forest50
Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks)5
Grassland5
Wetlands(Inland)5
Artificial - Terrestrial5

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are afforestation, irrigation of crops, the erection of powerlines, and water-management schemes.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsShifting agricultureOnly in the past and unlikely to return
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsSmall-holder farmingOngoing
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsAgro-industry farmingOngoing
Agriculture & aquacultureWood & pulp plantationsSmall-holder plantationsOngoing
Agriculture & aquacultureLivestock farming & ranchingSmall-holder grazing, ranching or farmingOngoing
Biological resource useHunting & collecting terrestrial animalsIntentional use (species being assessed is the target)Ongoing
Biological resource useHunting & collecting terrestrial animalsPersecution/controlOngoing
Natural system modificationsFire & fire suppressionIncrease in fire frequency/intensityOngoing
Natural system modificationsDams & water management/useAbstraction of surface water (unknown use)Ongoing
Residential & commercial developmentHousing & urban areasOngoing
Transportation & service corridorsRoads & railroadsOngoing
Transportation & service corridorsUtility & service linesOngoing
Climate change & severe weatherDroughtsOngoing
Climate change & severe weatherStorms & floodingOngoing