Mountain of Agua, gully of Los Cochinos and gully of Cuevas Negras (2002)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Monte del Agua, Barranco de los Cochinos y Barranco de Cuevas Negras
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.3333, Longitude: -16.8167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 1200
Area of KBA (km2): 24.14742
Protected area coverage (%): 92.97
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the best-conserved laurel Laurus forests in Tenerife. Formerly cultivated areas have been invaded by scrub, and vertical cliffs support characteristic vegetation. Human activities include the cutting of branches for use in tomato/banana cultivation.
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: This site holds the most significant numbers of Columba junoniae on Tenerife, and the main Puffinus puffinus breeding colony on the island. It is also important for other endemic birds.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | forestry (26%) | tourism/recreation
| 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: Introduced rats Rattus affect both Columba populations, especially C. junoniae. Forest fires (some man-made) cause habitat loss and affect breeding species. Additional threats include open-air sports, illegal hunting and the clearing of tracks and roads. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Unspecified species | Ongoing |