María mountain range-Los Vélez (1939)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Sierra de María - Los Vélez
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.0333, Longitude: -2.0833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 700 to 2045
Area of KBA (km2): 669.21377
Protected area coverage (%): 51.84
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Mountains dominated by Pinus and Quercus forests and Pinus plantations, with Juniperus scrub at higher altitudes. The main human activities are agriculture and hunting.
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: This is an important site for breeding raptors.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry (26%) | hunting
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Forest | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from overgrazing and infrastructure developments. A management plan exists for the Natural Park.