Montsech and Montgai mountains (1785)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Serres de Montsec i Montgai
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.0833, Longitude: 0.9167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 1678
Area of KBA (km2): 525.40155
Protected area coverage (%): 66.92
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area of limestone cliffs and gorges. Sclerophyllous scrub predominates, with some scattered Quercus woodland, arable cultivation and olive-groves.
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: An important area for breeding raptors.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | hunting | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 16 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 26 | |
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Forest | 16 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 16 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices and disturbance from tourists and associated outdoor sports.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Dams (size unknown) | Only in the future |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Nutrient loads | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Air-borne pollutants | Smog | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing |