An assessment of the nature conservation value of Majorca

In spite of increasing numbers of tourists each year, Majorca retains a variety of natural and semi-natural vegetation types. These are principally in the limestone sierra and around the coast. Of the fairly numerous species of endemic plants which occur, some are frequent. The Balearic Islands are also an important staging-post for migrant birds, and the wetlands of Majorca are the most valuable habitat from the ornithological standpoint. This paper summarizes the major vegetation types of Majorca and discusses the contribution made to the conservation value of the island by its 21 species of vascular plants that are recognized as endemic to the Balearic Islands and in 13 cases are exclusively Mallorcan. Finally, the conservation threats arising from urbanization, from indirect effects of development, and from changes in agricultural practice, are briefly discussed.