Rasca lava fields-Guaza mountain-Las Mesas plain (2031)
Spain, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2011
National site name: Malpaís de Rasca - Montaña de Guaza - Llano de las Mesas
Central coordinates: Latitude: 28.1667, Longitude: -16.6833
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 428
Area of KBA (km2): 14.89465
Protected area coverage (%): 69.67
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A semi-arid landscape located in the south of Tenerife, comprising volcanic cones, lava fields, coastal habitats and arable plains. The vegetation is mainly salt-tolerant and drought-resistant.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: One of the most important areas left for steppic birds in Tenerife.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (26%) | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 12 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 12 | |
| Marine Intertidal | 12 | |
| Desert | 26 | |
| Grassland | 12 | |
| Shrubland | 12 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 12 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Various human activities are damaging and degrading habitats: agricultural intensification, mining, infrastructure development and recreational activities. Illegal hunting also poses a threat. A management plan exists for the Special Natural Reserve.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Marine & freshwater aquaculture | Subsistence/artisinal aquaculture | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Unintentional effects: subsistence/small 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 |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Pollution | Excess energy | Light pollution | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing | |
| Energy production & mining | Mining & quarrying | Ongoing | |
| Transportation & service corridors | Roads & railroads | Ongoing | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Pollution | Garbage & solid waste | Ongoing | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Only in the future |