Key Biodiversity Areas

Pela mountain range-Orellana reservoir-Zorita (1730)
Spain, Europe

Site overview

KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de Pela - Embalse de Orellana - Zorita
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.0833, Longitude: -5.4167
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 340 to 751
Area of KBA (km2): 1451.6506
Protected area coverage (%): 55.21
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details

Site description: An isolated mountain range with sclerophyllous scrub and plains with extensive dehesas, pastures, olive-groves, and arable cultivation. The site includes a reservoir.
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: An important site for resident raptors and particularly for wintering Grus grus, which has 16 roost sites within the IBA. The site is also important for steppic species and waterbirds around the reservoir.

Habitats

Land use: agriculture (80%) | hunting (90%) | water management (10%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Grassland14
Forest10
Artificial - Aquatic5
Artificial - Terrestrial62
Wetlands(Inland)10

Threats

Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from irrigation of arable cultivation and a new road.
Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
PollutionAgricultural & forestry effluentsType Unknown/UnrecordedOnly in the future
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsScale Unknown/UnrecordedOnly in the future
Agriculture & aquacultureLivestock farming & ranchingSmall-holder grazing, ranching or farmingOnly in the future
Climate change & severe weatherDroughtsOnly in the future
Energy production & miningRenewable energyOnly in the future