Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
The site includes limestone, the Es Grao marshes and a coastal lagoon. The vegetation is mainly garrigue and maquis with
Quercus ilex and
Pinus halepensis forest.
This is an important area for seabirds and coastal raptors.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Threats include mass tourism, building, poisoning, particularly of
Milvus milvus (`Other' threats, above), and the erection of new powerlines. A reduction in the rabbit
Oryctolagus cunniculus population has reduced prey availability for raptors. Nine
Larus cachinnans colonies are culled annually. The IBA overlaps with six Natural Areas of Special Interest.
National Partial
International High1,947 ha of IBA covered by Natural Park (Albufera des Grau, 1,947 ha). 17,900 ha of IBA covered by Biosphere Reserve (Isla de Menorca Biosphere Reserve, 70,000 ha). 900 ha of IBA covered by Special Protection Area (Costa Norte de Menorca, 900 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: North and east coasts of Minorca and island of Aire (Spain). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/north-and-east-coasts-of-minorca-and-island-of-aire-iba-spain on 23/12/2024.
