Santa Trsula and La Victoria laurel forest (2003)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Monteverde de Santa Úrsula y La Victoria
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.4000, Longitude: -16.4500
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 700 to 1400
Area of KBA (km2): 18.50277
Protected area coverage (%): 84.25
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Laurel Laurus forest that has been heavily exploited and is now regenerating. Pinus canariensis forest occurs at higher altitudes, bordered by patches of terraced cultivation and Castanea coppice. Streams provide natural drinking sites. 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: The site supports both endemic Columba species, as well as endemic subspecies of several forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | forestry (26%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 19 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 19 | |
| Introduced Vegetation | 19 | |
| Shrubland | 19 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Introduced rats Rattus prey upon the eggs and chicks of both Columba species, with C. junoniae worst affected. Forestry practices destroy and degrade the Laurus forest. Illegal hunting of C. bollii and C. junoniae takes place. Various studies have been undertaken on the biology, distribution, ecology and conservation of the two Columba species.