Altos de Barahona high moor (1897)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Altos de Barahona
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.3000, Longitude: -2.8000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 1100 to 1313
Area of KBA (km2): 499.75676
Protected area coverage (%): 67.01
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A deforested limestone plain in southern Soria, with small cliffs along rivers and streams. The site is dominated by non-irrigated cereal crops with some low scrub and dry grassland.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: This is an important area for steppic species, including the most important population of Chersophilus duponti in Spain.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (100%) | hunting (90%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 29 | |
| Grassland | 57 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from changes in management of agricultural land, afforestation and hunting.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing |