Elenydd - Mallaen (2466)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Elenydd - Mallaen
Central coordinates: Latitude: 52.2463, Longitude: -3.6733
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 141 to 641
Area of KBA (km2): 300.265
Protected area coverage (%): 99.89
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: One of the most important areas of hill country in Wales, this area is dominated by blocks of upland rising to 460 m, separated by steep-sided valleys. The uplands are covered by Calluna heath and mire, with woodland and grassland in the valleys. The cliff crags hold an interesting flora, whilst the Quercus woodland supports many mosses, liverworts and lichens. The IBA supports a wide range of breeding birds, including five species of raptor.
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.
Delineation rationale: First identified in 1989; boundary adjusted in 2007 to match the SPA. 2000 area, 30022ha. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Forest | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 20 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 20 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy production & mining | Renewable energy | Only in the future |