North Harris Mountains (2553)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: North Harris Mountains
Central coordinates: Latitude: 57.9907, Longitude: -6.9300
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 679
Area of KBA (km2): 179.56672
Protected area coverage (%): 100.00
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Rocky hills with steep slopes, covered by montane grassland and moorland. The hills are drained by fast-flowing streams, and there are numerous nutrient-poor lochs (some of which are reverting to bog). Species-poor wet heath also occurs due to the oceanic character of the site. These mountains are important for breeding raptors, waders and other upland species.
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; no significant boundary changes since then. Digitised onto 1:50,000 scale OS maps.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 33 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 33 | |
| Shrubland | 33 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Only in the future | |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |