Key Biodiversity Areas

Famara sandy plain (1973)
Spain, Europe

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1d
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Jable de Famara
Central coordinates: Latitude: 29.1000, Longitude: -13.6000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 339
Area of KBA (km2): 69.53822
Protected area coverage (%): 76.13
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: A sandy landscape comprising scrub, drought-resistant grassland and rocky habitats located in the north of Lanzarote. Goat-grazing is the main human activity.
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: The site is important for Chlamydotis undulata and other steppic species.

Habitats


Land use: agriculture (26%) | tourism/recreation (26%)
IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Artificial - Terrestrial22
Shrubland26
Grassland52

Threats


Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Goat-grazing, gravel extraction, electric powerlines and disturbance to birds caused by safaris are the most important threats to the site. The area is a game refuge, and the local government has undertaken five censuses of Chlamydotis undulata since 1978.