Data Zone
Country/territory: Portugal
IBA criteria met: B1iii, B2, C2, C3, C6 (2002)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 74,562 hectares (745.62 km2)
| IBA conservation status | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2005 | not assessed | low | not assessed |
| For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here | |||
Site description (2002 baseline)
Extensive area, following coast-line, that comprises the atlantic coastal band between S. Torpes and the Burgau. Alternate dunes and sandy zones, cliffs and ravines, islets and rocks, with water lines where included firths, rivers and streams. From the main water courses that dischargue in this area, River Mira and Riveira de Odeceixe are to relate. This IBA's territory can be divided in three areas: the litoral plateau, between S. Torpes and Vila do Bispo, mainly sandy, it represents the most continous and large area; the litoral mountains, that border at the East the big plateau; and the barrocal (place full of ruts, crags and caves), that begins at S. Vicente's coast and extends to the East, in a little calcareous hills chain.
Key biodiversity
Important nesting area for rupicolous birds, like Falco peregrinus. passage zone for soaring birds and transahrian migratory passerines. Last iberian breeding area for Pandion haliaetus, recently extinct.The only european site where Ciconia ciconia nests in cliffs and rocky islets. Areas of agricultural plateaus are important for steppic non-breeding species like Tetrax tetrax, Otis tarda and Burhinus oedicnemus.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: South-west coast of Portugal (Portugal). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/south-west-coast-of-portugal-iba-portugal on 23/12/2024.