Moratalla mountain range (1829)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de Moratalla
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.2500, Longitude: -2.0000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 1475
Area of KBA (km2): 227.06329
Protected area coverage (%): 84.44
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of limestone mountains crossed by deep valleys. There is cultivation in the valleys and mixed forest, Quercus forest and scrub in the mountains. The main human activity is livestock-farming.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: This is an important area for species characteristic of Mediterranean forest and scrub.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 22 | |
| Forest | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat is from forest fires. Persecution of Hieraaetus fasciatus has led to its extinction in the site.