Alhamilla mountain range-Campo de Níjar plain (1836)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra Alhamilla - Campo de Níjar - Sierra de Cabrera
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.0000, Longitude: -2.3333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1387
Area of KBA (km2): 905.67734
Protected area coverage (%): 55.16
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area with deep gullies and plains. The vegetation comprises small Quercus woodlands in the highest zones; otherwise scrub and bare, stony ground. Some areas have been afforested with Pinus plantations.
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 site for steppic birds, particularly Bucanetes githagineus, and for resident raptors in the mountains. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Tetrax tetrax (breeding).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | forestry | hunting (26%) | military
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 12 | |
| Desert | 26 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 | |
| Forest | 12 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from agricultural intensification, illegal hunting and disturbance from military manoeuvres.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Agro-industry farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Only in the future |
| Pollution | Domestic & urban waste water | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Industrial & military effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Type Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Air-borne pollutants | Smog | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future | |
| Energy production & mining | Oil & gas drilling | Only in the future | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | War, civil unrest & military exercises | Ongoing |