Alborán island (1940)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Isla de Alborán
Central coordinates: Latitude: 35.9500, Longitude: -3.0333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 19
Area of KBA (km2): 663.17284
Protected area coverage (%): 99.08
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A small volcanic island with cliffs and two beaches.
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: An important area for breeding seabirds and migrating passerines.
Delineation rationale: 2015-04-23 (BL Secretariat): site area adjusted from 7 ha (IBA2000) to 66220 ha (Arcos et al. 2009).
Habitats
Land use: fisheries/aquaculture (30%) | military (70%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Neritic | 85 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 5 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threat is disturbance, particularly from military activities. The island is surrounded by a Marine Reserve (429 ha).