Garajonay National Park (2016)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: B1, B2
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.1167, Longitude: -17.2167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 700 to 1487
Area of KBA (km2): 48.21438
Protected area coverage (%): 91.07
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The largest continuous expanse of laurel Laurus forest in the Canary Islands, located in the central area of La Gomera. Other habitats include heath and scrub, and exotic coniferous woodland.
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 holds the highest numbers of Columba bollii in the Canary Islands, and is also important for other endemic birds.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (26%) | tourism/recreation (26%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 | |
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Introduced Vegetation | 12 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 12 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 12 | |
| Forest | 26 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Forest fires pose the most serious threat to the site. Additional threats include rat Rattus predation, and the illegal hunting of both Columba species, bird strikes on roads and with electric powerlines, and disturbance from visitors. A management plan exists for the site. Various censuses, studies and conservation campaigns have been carried out by the local government.