Middle section of river Guadalquivir reservoirs (1847)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Embalses del Tramo medio del Guadalquivir
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.9167, Longitude: -3.3500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 320 to 361
Area of KBA (km2): 32.72324
Protected area coverage (%): 26.43
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A group of three shallow reservoirs with abundant emergent vegetation and reedbeds (Phragmites). An area of riverine forest remains. The surrounds are dominated by arable cultivation and olive-groves.
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 breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds, particularly breeding Porphyrio porphyrio, and also for non-breeding Milvus migrans. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Oxyura leucocephala (3-5 passage individuals).
Habitats
Land use: urban/industrial/transport (26%) | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from sedimentation and the possible construction of a larger dam which would destroy the area.