Ilhéu da Baleia e Ponta da Barca (19698)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Ilhéu da Baleia e Ponta da Barca
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.0833, Longitude: -28.0500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 61
Area of KBA (km2): 0.38641
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This coastal IBA includes the area between the coastline and cobble beaches and the top of the seacliffs. The cliffs are often covered by macaronesean woodland. The site includes the small islet Ilhéu da Baleia, and the lighthouse of Ponta da Barca is located in the top of the cliffs.
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 petrels. Both 'cold-period' and 'hot-period' Madeiran Storm Petrels breed in this site.
Habitats
Land use: tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
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. Invasive plant species like the cane reduces the available nesting habitat for seabirds. Seabird colonies are disturbed by illegal recreation activities. The strong lights of the lighthouse is a threat for the breeding seabirds.