Barrier database for the Iberian Peninsula (AMBER-IP )

Artificial barriers are one of the main threats to river ecosystems, resulting in habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity. Yet, the abundance and distribution of most artificial barriers, excluding high head dams, is poorly documented. We provide a global assessment of the distribution and typology of artificial barriers in the Iberian Peninsula, and estimate for the first time the extent of river fragmentation. To this end, barrier data were compiled from existing databases and were ground truthed by field surveys and citizen science data in Portugal and Spain to derive a correction factor for barrier density across Iberian Peninsula.