North and east coasts of Minorca and island of Aire (1894)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c, B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: Costa Norte y Este de Menorca e Isla del Aire
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.0500, Longitude: 4.0000
System: freshwater, marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 205
Area of KBA (km2): 116.41732
Protected area coverage (%): 83.16
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site includes limestone, the Es Grao marshes and a coastal lagoon. The vegetation is mainly garrigue and maquis with Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis forest.
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 area for seabirds and coastal raptors.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%) | forestry (50%) | hunting (70%) | tourism/recreation (20%) | urban/industrial/transport (5%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 30 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 20 | |
| Forest | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include mass tourism, building, poisoning, particularly of Milvus milvus (`Other' threats, above), and the erection of new powerlines. A reduction in the rabbit Oryctolagus cunniculus population has reduced prey availability for raptors. Nine Larus cachinnans colonies are culled annually. The IBA overlaps with six Natural Areas of Special Interest.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the past and unlikely to return | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |