El Canal y Los Tiles laurel forest (2021)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: El Canal y Los Tiles
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.7667, Longitude: -17.8167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 1800
Area of KBA (km2): 5.2538
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Several valleys that support the most valuable laurel Laurus forest on La Palma. Located in the north-east of the island, the site also contains mixed (Laurus and Pinus canariensis) and coniferous woodland, exposed bedrock and cliffs. In the past, forests were intensively exploited, water-ways were channelized, and livestock-grazing and hunting took place.
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 sites on the island for the endemic Columba species. The site is also important for other forest passerines.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 26 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 16 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 16 | |
| Forest | 26 | |
| Caves & Subterranean Habitats (non-aquatic) | 16 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Predation by introduced rats Rattus adversely affects both Columba species. Recreational disturbance and illegal hunting pose additional threats. The area is a game reserve. Various studies and conservation campaigns have centred on the two Columba species.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (unknown use) | Only in the future |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Commercial & industrial areas | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Work & other activities | Ongoing | |
| Geological events | Avalanches/landslides | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Storms & flooding | Ongoing |