El Moro marshes (1915)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Marjal del Moro
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.5833, Longitude: -0.2500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 6.98802
Protected area coverage (%): 86.35
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A small wetland with abundant water-fringe vegetation. Formerly a coastal lagoon, the site now contains salt and freshwater marshes, rice-fields and reedbeds (Phragmites).
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: An important area for breeding herons, ducks and waders.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (10%) | hunting (90%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 10 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 30 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 60 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Industrial development, drainage, dumping and the use of pesticides are the most important threat to the marsh. Illegal hunting and recreational activities also cause disturbance. Ten percent of the site is a controlled hunting area.