Mata and Torrevieja lagoons (1826)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.0500, Longitude: -0.6667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 40.32394
Protected area coverage (%): 93.39
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Two coastal lagoons which have been transformed for salt extraction. There is a narrow belt of reed (Phragmites) and halophytic vegetation.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: The site is important for breeding, wintering and passage waterbirds. The site acts as an important refuge when there is hunting in the El Hondo (215) and Santa Pola (216) IBAs.
Habitats
Land use: not utilised | urban/industrial/transport (40%) | water management (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 90 | |
| Shrubland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include building construction, water pollution and disturbance from the saltworks and from tourists. A management plan for the Natural Park has existed since 1995.