Fast-flowing rivers and streams, peatbogs, deciduous and conifer woodlands, uncultivated land, mountains and cliffs. Human activities include forestry, cattle-grazing, hunting and recreation.
Key biodiversity
The site is important for passage migrants, particularly raptors, Ciconia ciconia, C. nigra, Columba palumbus and Turdus torquatus. The site is a migratory bottleneck, where more than 3,000 raptors regularly pass (including Pernis apivorus 2,000; Milvus migrans 2,000; Milvus milvus 1,800).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The site is threatened by plans to expand the existing ski-station and other development projects. Disturbance from trail bikes, four-wheel-drive vehicles and hunting activities are also major threats.
Protected areas
National Low International Partial1,500 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Monts et Plombs du Cantal, 1,500 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Monts et Plomb du Cantal. Downloaded from
http://www.birdlife.org on 24/03/2023.
