Alcarama mountain and Alhama river (1757)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de Alcarama y Río Alhama
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.9167, Longitude: -2.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 550 to 1187
Area of KBA (km2): 120.67659
Protected area coverage (%): 91.19
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area in the Northern Iberian mountain range, including the Alhama river valley. The site comprises limestone cliffs, deforested slopes with open scrub, dry grassland and occasional patches of Quercus woodland. There are also small areas of cereal cultivation, olive-groves and orchards. The area is used for cattle-grazing.
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: The site is important for cliff-nesting raptors, with the largest Gyps fulvus colony in La Rioja.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | not utilised (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 16 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 16 | |
| Grassland | 26 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 16 | |
| Shrubland | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The only major threat is a plan to enlarge a dam.