Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
Several valleys that support the most valuable laurel
Laurus forest on La Palma. Located in the north-east of the island, the site also contains mixed (
Laurus and
Pinus canariensis) and coniferous woodland, exposed bedrock and cliffs. In the past, forests were intensively exploited, water-ways were channelized, and livestock-grazing and hunting took place.
One of the most important sites on the island for the endemic
Columba species. The site is also important for other forest passerines.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Predation by introduced rats
Rattus adversely affects both
Columba species. Recreational disturbance and illegal hunting pose additional threats. The area is a game reserve. Various studies and conservation campaigns have centred on the two
Columba species.
National Partial
International High250 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Las Nieves, 5,094 ha). 511 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (El Canal y Los Tiles, 511 ha). 250 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Monte de los Sauces, Punta Llana y Pinar de Garafía, 4,067 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: El Canal y Los Tiles laurel forest (Spain). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/el-canal-y-los-tiles-laurel-forest-iba-spain on 23/12/2024.
