Llobregat delta (1919)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Delta del Llobregat
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.2667, Longitude: 2.1333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 37.5617
Protected area coverage (%): 23.99
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The site includes several small wetlands and lagoons close to Barcelona. Also included are sand-dunes covered by Pinus woodland, an area of shoreline and areas of cultivation.
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 breeding, wintering and passage seabirds and other waterbirds. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aythya nyroca (2-5 wintering individuals) and Larus audouinii (8 wintering individuals).
Delineation rationale: 2016-10-27 (BL Secretariat): offshore sea area included in IBA2000 has been transferred to new offshore marine IBA ES410 in 2009 (Arcos et al. 2009).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (40%) | forestry (10%) | nature conservation and research (10%) | not utilised (10%) | tourism/recreation (10%) | urban/industrial/transport (15%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 5 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 10 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 10 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 65 | |
| Marine Neritic | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat to the site is from a large development plan for the delta which would mean extension of the airport, enlargement of the harbour and many associated infrastructural developments. Feral cats and water pollution from agricultural chemicals are further threats.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Unspecified species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Agricultural & forestry effluents | Herbicides and pesticides | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Noise pollution | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Light pollution | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Shipping lanes | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Flight paths | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |