Map of Gibraltar (click to view full-size)
Background information
Legislation regarding biodiversity and impact assessment
International
International Conventions to which Gibraltar is a party include the following:
- World Heritage Convention
- Ramsar Convention
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
- Convention on Migratory Species
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling
- Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (an agreement under the Bonn Convention)
- Council Directive (79/409/EEC) on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive)
- Council Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna (Habitats Directive)
- Council Regulation (338/97) on the Protection of Species of Wild Fauna and Flora by Regulating Trade Therein.
More information on these Conventions can be found on this page.
National
- The Nature Protection Ordinance 1991.
- Town Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2000
Further information on the relevant legislation can be found through the legislation pages.
Key development areas and issues
Biodiversity interest
The removal of goats from the Rock in the early 1900s led to the (re-)establishment of maquis vegetation, as the dominant vegetation type. Within this, the dominant species are olive Olea europaea, Pistachio Pistacia lentiscus, Osyris quadripartita and buckthorn Rhamnus alaternus, although around 500 species of plant have been recorded. The richest flora is found in the most inaccessible areas, the eastern slopes being the best examples. Other areas of particular significance are the Europa Point foreshore, being the only limestone shoreline on the northern shore of the Straits, and the southwest shoreline of the point, which is very rich in littoral and sub-littoral species. Remnant seagrass beds also occur round the harbour and northern edge of the bay, but are threatened by reclamation work in the harbour.
A great deal is known about the occurrence and distribution of the species of the Rock. The flora consists of c.600 plant species, with at least 3 endemic species. Several endemic invertebrates are also known, particularly in the land snails and marine nudibranchs. More information on endemic and threatened species can be found on this page. A number of marine turtles feed in the area, but none breed, perhaps due to disturbance and lack of suitable sites. Birds are perhaps one of the best-known features of the Rock, with a vast number of migrant soaring birds (primarily raptors and storks) crossing the Mediterranean at its narrowest point. Mammals of Gibraltar include four bat species and the introduced Barbary Macaque Macaca sylvanus, listed by IUCN as vulnerable, but now in need of population control. The waters around the Rock are also important for cetacean species, with both Common and Striped Dolphins Delphinus delphis and Stenella coeruleoalba both calving in Gibraltar Bay in summer.
The creeper Senecio angulatus is a concern, as it smothers native tree and bush species. Other species are under surveillance (Varnham 2006).
Protected Areas
One Ramsar site is designated on the Rock: the Bay of Gibraltar. Further details are available through this page.