La Caldera de Taburiente National Park (2020)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Parque Nacional de La Caldera de Taburiente
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.7167, Longitude: -17.8667
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 400 to 2426
Area of KBA (km2): 43.4955
Protected area coverage (%): 98.25
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A mountainous area situated in the middle of La Palma, with deep gullies supporting Pinus canariensis and mixed Pinus and Laurus woodland. High mountain vegetation, streams and springs are also found within the site.
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: The site is the most important area in the Canary Islands for breeding Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, and is also important for forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (26%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 19 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 19 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 19 | |
| Shrubland | 19 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Introduced Barbary sheep Ammotragus lervia can cause damage to habitats, while other introduced species prey upon birds (e.g., rats Rattus and cats Felis catus). Forest fires and illegal hunting pose additional threats. The area is a game refuge, and there is a management plan.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Unintentional effects: large scale (species being assessed is not the target) [harvest] | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Geological events | Avalanches/landslides | Only in the future |