Capelinhos (19691)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Capelinhos
Central coordinates: Latitude: 38.6000, Longitude: -28.7833
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 300
Area of KBA (km2): 2.14745
Protected area coverage (%): 61.72
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This IBA is constituted by two distinct zones: the first along the western coast, from Porto dos Capelinhos to the Porto da Fajã; the second includes the volcano of Capelinhos, active in 1957-58, and the adjacent coastline.constituída por um cone vulcânico costeiro, uma praia de areia e falésias adjacentes.
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: Important for breeding seabirds, especially the Cory's Shearwater and the Roseate Tern.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research | not utilised | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 33 | |
| Introduced Vegetation | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Feral terrestrial mammals (dogs, cats, rats and weasels) affect most of the seabirds, especially those who nest in holes and burrows. In 1998 the predation by feral cats in the colonies of the Capelinhos was so evident that only 2 pairs of Roseate Terns attempted to nest there the year after. Capture of Cory's Shearwaters and other seabirds exist in small scale. Invasive plant species like the cane reduces the available nesting habitat for seabirds. Seabird colonies are disturbed by illegal recreation activities. The absence of the establishment of the SPA by the regional law constitutes a weakness in its surveillance and legal protection. There is a management plan for the SPA Capelinhos.