Los Molinos gully-Plain of La Laguna (1983)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Barranco de Los Molinos - Llano de La Laguna - Alto de Matías
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.5333, Longitude: -14.0833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 323
Area of KBA (km2): 41.46959
Protected area coverage (%): 29.01
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A dammed valley (Los Molinos gully) and a stony plain (Plain of La Laguna) situated in the north-west of Fuerteventura. Dry calcareous grassland and drought-resistant scrub exist with crops and a small copse of Tamarix canariensis. Human activities include livestock-farming (dromedaries Camelus dromedarius and goats).
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: The plain supports breeding steppic species (very important for Chlamydotis undulata); the valley is important for wintering and migrating aquatic birds (herons, waders and ducks).
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | military | tourism/recreation (26%) | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wetlands(Inland) | 11 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 11 | |
| Desert | 26 | |
| Grassland | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are overgrazing, disturbance to birds caused by tourists and illegal hunting (especially on the reservoir).