Wetlands of western Almería (1838)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Humedales del Poniente Almeriense
Central coordinates: Latitude: 36.6667, Longitude: -2.6667
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 50
Area of KBA (km2): 25.87057
Protected area coverage (%): 75.18
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of five wetlands south-west of the city of Almería. The site includes a coastal strip 15 km long, to the south of Roquetas del Mar, with a sand beach, sand-dunes and large seasonal lagoons with sparse halophytic vegetation and reedbeds (Phragmites). Saltpans occupy 450 ha.
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: This is an important site for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Marmaronetta angustirostris (9 wintering individuals).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 25 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 25 | |
| Shrubland | 25 | |
| Artificial - Aquatic | 25 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The major threats include huge numbers of tourists, over-exploitation of groundwater, drainage, infilling of wetland areas, urban development and agricultural intensification. Oxyura jamaicensis is regularly recorded and threatens Oxyura leucocephala.