Key Biodiversity Areas

Alotepeque Range (20883)
El Salvador, Central America

Site overview


KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1aA1d
Year of last assessment: 2023
National site name: Sierra de Alotepeque
Central coordinates: Latitude: 14.2939, Longitude: -89.0797
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Area of KBA (km2): 220.94098
Protected area coverage (%): 4.97
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes

Site details


Site description: The site measures more than 17,000 ha, and has important extensions (12,000 ha) of pine-oak forest and cloud forest. The cloud forest at Cerro El Pital (also known in the literature as Los Esesmiles) is contiguous with the same habitat in Honduras.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Bolitoglossa synoria meets A1a and the Highland Guan meets A1d. An additional 25 species of birds meet legacy KBA criteria.
Manageability of the site: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2008 by BirdLife partners. A manageability rationale is not available.
Delineation rationale: Site was identified as an IBA/KBA in 2008 by BirdLife partners. A delineation rationale is not available.

Habitats


IUCN HabitatCoverage %Habitat detail
Forest73
Artificial - Terrestrial6
Shrubland1
Grassland20

Threats


Threat level 1Threat level 2Threat level 3Timing
Transportation & service corridorsRoads & railroadsOngoing
Agriculture & aquacultureWood & pulp plantationsAgro-industry plantationsOngoing
Human intrusions & disturbanceWork & other activitiesOngoing
Residential & commercial developmentTourism & recreation areasOngoing
Natural system modificationsFire & fire suppressionIncrease in fire frequency/intensityOngoing
Natural system modificationsOther ecosystem modificationsOngoing
Agriculture & aquacultureAnnual & perennial non-timber cropsSmall-holder farmingOngoing
Human intrusions & disturbanceRecreational activitiesOngoing