Key Biodiversity Areas

Sierra de Aracena (1962)
Spain, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1bB1B2
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: Sierra de Aracena
Central coordinates: Latitude: 37.9167, Longitude: -6.5000
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 962
Area of KBA (km2): 804.67284
Protected area coverage (%): 98.51
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A mountainous area north-east of Huelva. Dehesas dominate the area. Riverine vegetation occurs along the main streams. The main human activity is livestock-farming.
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 and dispersing juvenile raptors and Ciconia nigra. It is also an important passage and wintering site for passerines. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Aquila adalberti (non-breeding) and Falco naumanni (2-4 breeding pairs).

Habitats


Land use: agriculture (26%) | hunting
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Grassland37
Shrubland37
Forest26

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are from high hunting pressure, mining, and uncontrolled tourism.