Malcata mountains (393)
Portugal, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2002
National site name: Serra da Malcata
Central coordinates: Latitude: 40.2500, Longitude: -7.0333
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 425 to 1078
Area of KBA (km2): 163.43085
Protected area coverage (%): 98.53
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: A medium-sized mountain range with rolling hills covered with scrub and conifer plantations. There is a sharp difference in vegetation-types between the northern and southern slopes, with the former having a colder and more continental microclimate, while the latter is more Mediterranean in character.
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: An important area for breeding raptors, being one of only two breeding sites known for Aegypius monachus in Portugal in recent years.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture | fisheries/aquaculture | forestry | hunting | nature conservation and research | tourism/recreation | water management
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 20 | |
| Forest | 20 | |
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 20 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 20 | |
| Shrubland | 20 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: there is not a managament plan to nature conservation for natural reserve/ SIC.Habitat loss due to afforestation with non-native trees, namely Pseudotsuga and some Pinus species, is causing problems. Birds are disturbed by hunting.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation & service corridors | Utility & service lines | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Silva (1998)