San Andrés, Pijaral and Anaga mountains (2000)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Monteverde de Anaga
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.5667, Longitude: -16.1667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 550 to 900
Area of KBA (km2): 34.4845
Protected area coverage (%): 99.28
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Laurel Laurus forest in the north-east of Tenerife, ranging from degraded and exploited areas to areas with a well-developed tree canopy (the forest in Pijaral is one of the best conserved in the Canary Islands). The cutting of branches for use in tomato/banana cultivation is an important 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 both endemic Columba species as well as for other forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (26%) | nature conservation and research (26%) | tourism/recreation (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 19 | |
| Shrubland | 19 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 19 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 19 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats are forest fires, which can have a very high impact on habitat and bird numbers, predation by rats Rattus of Columba eggs and chicks, and illegal hunting. Tourism can cause disturbance to breeding birds and degradation of the forest. 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, and a management plan exists for the site. Various studies have been undertaken on the biology, distribution, ecology and conservation of the two Columba species.