Tigaiga slope (1999)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Ladera de Tigaiga
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.3667, Longitude: -16.5833
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 725 to 1450
Area of KBA (km2): 9.66247
Protected area coverage (%): 78.93
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The greater part of the site (located in the north of Tenerife) is covered by a laurel Laurus forest growing on steep slopes and amongst cliffs. Introduced Pinus radiata is interspersed with Laurus at higher altitudes, and copses of Castanea sativa and exotic conifers at lower altitudes.
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 both endemic Columba species, as well as for other laurel forest birds.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced Vegetation | 15 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 15 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Shrubland | 15 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 15 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Major threats are posed by forest fires and the presence of rats Rattus and feral cats Felis catus that prey upon Columba chicks and eggs. Additional threats include the cutting of branches for use in tomato/banana cultivation and illegal hunting. Groundwater abstraction limits water availability, making birds vulnerable to hunters when they congregate at the few remaining drinking sites. The area is a game reserve. Various studies have been undertaken on the biology, distribution, ecology and conservation of the two Columba species.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Intentional use (species being assessed is the target) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Persecution/control | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Noise pollution | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Only in the future | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing |