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.