La Demanda mountains (1753)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de la Demanda
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.2500, Longitude: -3.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 2271
Area of KBA (km2): 1245.69099
Protected area coverage (%): 79.47
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area which comprises a large part of the Sistema Ibérico Norte. Much of area has been deforested and scrub and alpine grasslands predominate although in some areas there are extensive Quercus and Fagus woodlands. The area of Pinus plantations is increasing. Human activities include livestock-farming, game hunting and tourism and recreation.
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: This is an important area for species associated with upland forest and alpine grasslands.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (40%) | fisheries/aquaculture (5%) | forestry (60%) | hunting | water management (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 29 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 4 | |
| Grassland | 21 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 29 | |
| Shrubland | 12 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 4 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The site is threatened by poor forestry practice, particularly the creation of Pinus plantations and the indiscriminate logging of the Fagus forest. Hunting pressure is high. A dam project is planned within the IBA.