Mountains of Barcelona (1792)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Serralades Prelitorals de Barcelona
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.6500, Longitude: 2.0167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 1236
Area of KBA (km2): 1118.02384
Protected area coverage (%): 31.35
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Calcareous mountains covered by Pinus forests and above 600 m by Quercus forest. The adjacent plain contains cereal crops, maquis and alluvial forest.
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 area for species characteristic of the Mediterranean region, and cliff-nesting species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (30%) | forestry (50%) | hunting | tourism/recreation | urban/industrial/transport
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 26 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 7 | |
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 7 | |
| Grassland | 7 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats in the mountains include land abandonment, fires, hunting, the erection of powerlines, and uncontrolled recreational activities which cause particular disturbance to raptors. In the plains, increasing urban development is a major threat.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollution | Excess energy | Thermal pollution | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Flight paths | Ongoing |