Data Zone
Country/territory: Spain
IBA criteria met: B1i, B2, C2, C6 (2011)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 1,287 hectares (12.87 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2008 | good | very high | low |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2000 baseline)
The site encompasses a coastal area in the south of Tenerife that includes rock stacks, sand beaches and some coastal lagoons. Inland lie sandy, rocky plains with deep gullies and cliffs. One site supports dune-adapted vegetation, the only area of such habitat on the island.
Key biodiversity
The plains are important for steppic species and the gullies support breeding raptors. The site is also important for wintering waders, especially Calidris alba, and is the last remaining breeding site of Charadrius alexandrinus in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife province.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: El Médano coast (Spain). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/el-médano-coast-iba-spain on 23/12/2024.