Iveragh peninsula (672)
Ireland, Europe
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Iveragh peninsula
Central coordinates: Latitude: 51.7667, Longitude: -10.3333
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 240
Area of KBA (km2): 149.34219
Protected area coverage (%): 29.38
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Iveragh peninsula is situated in south-west Kerry, south of the Dingle peninsula. The site extends from 5 km west of Glenbeigh on the northern side of the peninsula around the coast to Lamb's Head on the southern side, and includes Valentia Island. This linear site comprises sea cliff, grassland and heath habitats. Information on land-use and threats is incomplete.
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: This is an important site for breeding Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. A 2002 survey of Falco peregrinus reported 5 breeeding pairs in the site.
Habitats
Land use: agriculture (50%) | not utilised (50%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grassland | 40 | |
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 50 | |
| Shrubland | 10 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: For the survival of Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax at this site, it is vital that low-intensity farming on the cliff-tops is maintained.