Upper River Tejo (367)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1c
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Tejo Internacional
Central coordinates: Latitude: 39.7167, Longitude: -7.2500
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 150 to 319
Area of KBA (km2): 244.00083
Protected area coverage (%): 93.71
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Steep valleys with cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, located at the eastern border of central Portugal. The riverbed is much wider than it was 25 years ago, due to the construction of a large dam, and now allows the small-boat traffic of professional fishermen and recreational purposes.This site includes a great diversity of habitats that hold a wide mediterranean animal and vegetal diversity.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: This area has a great value due to its wide diversity of species, withh special importance of cliff-nesting species and some steppic birds in plain areas. This site holds the greates population in Portugal of ciconia nigra and a significative proportion of large raptors. Also it is the only place in Portugal with breeding Aegypius monachus and still it is possible to found a Pterocles alchata.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | forestry | hunting | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 55 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 15 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 15 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Important cliff-nesting species are disturbed by boating and fishing activity in the reservoirs along the cliffs. In recent years several forest plantations (Eucalyptus) and special hunting areas have been established along the edge of the site, which have affected birds. In particular, there have been attempts in the hunting areas to control predators, including large raptors (`Other' threat).
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Pacheco & Monteiro (1999)Pacheco et al. (1999)Rosa et al.(1999)Rosa et al. (2001a,b)