Step rocks of Hermigua and Agulo (2015)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Riscos de Hermigua y Agulo
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.1667, Longitude: -17.2000
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 300 to 1034
Area of KBA (km2): 7.50456
Protected area coverage (%): 87.88
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Steep-sided valley in the central part of La Gomera, with running water. Heath is present, in addition to exposed bedrock, inland cliffs and laurel Laurus forest. The site is adjacent to Garajonay National Park.
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: One of the most important areas in La Gomera for forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: forestry (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 16 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 16 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 16 | |
| Shrubland | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The cutting of branches for use in tomato cultivation has a large impact on the laurel forest. Illegal hunting and predation by introduced rats Rattus and feral cats Felis catus pose major threats to both Columba species. Various studies and conservation campaigns (SEO/BirdLife) have centred on the two Columba species.