Cuillins (2653)
United Kingdom, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2007
National site name: Cuillins
Central coordinates: Latitude: 57.2503, Longitude: -6.1102
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 993
Area of KBA (km2): 294.65774
Protected area coverage (%): 99.96
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A series of mountain peaks and associated river valleys in the southern half of the Isle of Skye, important for breeding upland bird 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 2000 as Cuillin Hills, Skye; renamed in 2007 and adopted the SPA boundary. 2000 area, 28300ha. SPA boundary used from JNCC; digitised at 1:10,000 scale.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | forestry | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 43 | |
| Forest | 5 | |
| Shrubland | 43 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing |