Gerês mountains (361)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Serras da Peneda e Gerês
Central coordinates: Latitude: 41.8667, Longitude: -8.1333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 500 to 1545
Area of KBA (km2): 629.1716
Protected area coverage (%): 98.24
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This site includes the National Park of Peneda-Gerês, the oldest protection area in Portugal (since 1971) and the only National Park. From Castro Laboreiro plateau to Mourela, it embraces the granitic mountains of Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês. A great habitat diversity is present due to the different exposure to atlantic climatic influence of each of these mountains. The atlantic, mediterranean and continental influences and the diversify land orientation, favour the existence of several microclimates.One of the only sites in Portugal where nearly unalterated ecosystems are found, with low human influence, integrated in humanizated landscape. The forest are mainly formed by oaks. Arbutus-trees, hollies, portuguese laurel-cherries, pine-trees and white birches are also found. Shrublands of turzes, heathers and genistas are characteristic of higher lands. There are also some endemisms like the lily, the fern and the yarrow of Gerês.
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: The area supports important numbers of breeding raptors, and is the main Portuguese stronghold for Lanius collurio and Emberiza hortulana. Several birds are at their south-western limit in Europe, including L. collurio and Saxicola rubetra. The avifauna is rich, with more than 120 breeding species.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | forestry | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 17 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 17 | |
| Shrubland | 17 | |
| Forest | 17 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 17 | |
| Grassland | 17 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: There is a management plan for the National Park(1995)The principal threats are burning of vegetation and the Acacia tree who is invading native vegetation and is considered a plague.
Additional information
References: Pimenta & Santarém(1996), Monteiro(1997), Álvares(2001), Dantas de Gama(2001)