Isla Cristina and Ayamonte marshes and Prado lagoon (1853)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Marismas de Isla Cristina y Ayamonte
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.2167, Longitude: -7.3500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 43.49724
Protected area coverage (%): 67.14
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Coastal marshes at the mouth of the River Guadiana with sand beaches, halophytic scrub, and numerous abandoned saltpans. Human activities include scrub collection, fishing and tourism.
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: A very important area for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds.
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (15%) | tourism/recreation (80%) | urban/industrial/transport (20%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Intertidal | 50 | |
| Marine Neritic | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from uncontrolled building, irrigation schemes and aquaculture projects. Levels of disturbance from tourists are high.