Lajares sandy plain-Cotillo-Ezquinzo (1979)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Reserva de Lajares - Cotillo - Ezquinzo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.6333, Longitude: -13.9667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 308
Area of KBA (km2): 81.49904
Protected area coverage (%): 94.84
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: An extensive semi-desertic rocky plain holding salt-tolerant and drought-resistant scrub, with sandy areas, hills, gullies and small patches of arable land. Human activities include cattle-grazing and military manoeuvres.
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: One of the most important areas in Fuerteventura for Chlamydotis undulata and other steppic birds. Areas of arable land provide habitat for migrating and wintering passerines.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | military | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Desert | 52 | |
| Shrubland | 24 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 24 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Threats include overgrazing, urban development and infrastructure improvements related to tourism, and disturbance to birds caused by military activity (`Other' threat) and tourism (for example, jeep-safaris). The area is a game refuge. The local government has undertaken six censuses of Chlamydotis undulata since 1979, and is implementing a recovery plan for this species.