Key Biodiversity Areas

Serra Branca (19699)
Portugal, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Serra Branca
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.0333, Longitude: -28.0500
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 250
Area of KBA (km2): 0.94981
Protected area coverage (%): 49.54
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: Coastal IBA of dificult access, of seacliffs covered by macaronesean woodland and gravel 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: Important for breeding seabirds, especially for the Roseate Tern.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture | not utilised | tourism/recreation
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Marine Coastal/Supratidal33
Shrubland33
Introduced Vegetation33

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.