Laurel Laurus forest in the north-east of Tenerife, ranging from degraded and exploited areas to areas with a well-developed tree canopy. Human activities include the cutting of branches for use in tomato/banana cultivation.
Key biodiversity
The site is important for both endemic Columba species (numbers of C. junoniae are low) as well as for other forest passerines.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threats are forest fires, predation by rats Rattus of eggs, chicks and sometimes adults of both Columba species, and illegal hunting. Tourism and recreation cause disturbance to breeding birds and degradation of the forest. Groundwater abstraction limits water availability, making birds vulnerable to hunters when they congregate at the few remaining drinking sites. The area is a game reserve, and a management plan exists for the site. Various studies have been undertaken on the biology, distribution, ecology and conservation of the two Columba species.
Protected areas
National High International High2,000 ha of IBA covered by Rural Park (Anaga, 14,119 ha). 2,000 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Anaga, 14,119 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Area factsheet: Las Mercedes, Mina y Yedra, Aguirre, La Goleta and Pedro Alvarez mountains. Downloaded from
http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/2001 on 05/06/2023.
