Morella pass (1813)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Puertos de Morella
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.5833, Longitude: -0.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 800 to 1318
Area of KBA (km2): 548.20616
Protected area coverage (%): 94.57
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A low mountain range with Pinus halepensis forest, small Quercus woodlands and large expanses of Mediterranean scrub. The area is used for forestry, hunting and sheep-grazing. The most important threat are forest fires, also new roads and high hunting pressure.
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 site for breeding raptors.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | forestry (45%) | hunting (80%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 27 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 5 | |
| Grassland | 18 | |
| Forest | 45 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The greatest threat is from forest fires. Other threats include new road construction and high hunting pressure.