SPANISH NATIONAL PARKS

COMENIUS PROYECT 2009/2011

“VALORIZATION OF NATURAL SITIES”

DOÑANA

DOÑANA

Area: 54,252 Ha Province: Huelva and Seville (Andalusia).

The confluence of ecosystems gives a unique personality to this park. It has great biological diversity and brings together three major ecological systems: marsh, mobile dunes and reserves, and a large contact area. There are two species in danger of extinction being protected: ·The imperial eagle: Ensuring the nests before and during reproduction as well as providing supplementary feeding. ·The Lynx: The objective is to recover its population density and optimal distribution so that it contributes to stabilize its population and allows the colonization of other nearby areas.

SIERRA NEVADA

SIERRA NEVADA

Area: 86,208 ha. Province: Granada and Almeria (Andalusia)

The steep peaks, while overlooking a vast horizon, tinged with people, with meadows full of vegetables are covered with snow and ice, 9180 feet of which are perpetual. Amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds are common. The mountain goat, usually of the high peaks, is the most characteristic species of the park.

ORDESA Y MONTE PERDIDO

ORDESA Y MONTE PERDIDOArea: 15,608 ha. Province: Huesca (Aragon)

Its landmark is the massif of Monte Perdido (3,355 m), with the summits of the Tres Sorores. Characterized by a landscape of contrasts: extreme aridity of the higher areas where rainwater sees through cracks and sinks, contrasting with the green valleys covered with forests and meadows where water forms waterfalls through canyons and ravines.

PICOS EUROPA

PICOS DE EUROPA

Area: 64,660 ha. Province: Asturias, León and Cantabria.

It represents the Atlantic forest-related ecosystems. It has the largest limestone formation in Atlantic Europe, with significant karstic processes, reaching depths over 1,000 m, very clear glacial erosion and presence of lakes. Its cliffs are inhabited by chamois in dense forests together with deer, wolves and the occasional presence of bears. There are 100 bird species such as the black woodpecker and the capercaillie. Regarding large predators we can find griffon vultures and golden eagles. But there is much more than scenery, centuries of history are written in the villages, valleys, churches, and in their paths.

CABAÑEROS

CABAÑEROS

Area: 40,856 ha. Province: Ciudad Real and Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha)

Famous for having been on the verge of becoming a shooting range is now one of the most valuable protected areas of Montes de Toledo, a refuge for many endangered species. The mountain ranges and massifs are covered with Mediterranean forest and thicket which shelter a large variety of birds and mammals such as deer, roe deer and wild boars.

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TABLAS DE DAIMIEL

TABLAS DE DAIMIEL

Area: 1.928 ha. Province: Ciudad Real (Castilla-La Mancha).

This is the last representative of a fluvial ecosystem called Tablas, formed by the overflowing of the rivers Guadiana and Gigüela. It represents the ecosystems related to inland wetlands. A variety of waterfowl inhabits Las Tablas. Among the flora, aquatic plants are the basic substrate of Las Tablas de Daimiel, and the only existing trees are the tamarisk trees.

AIGÜESTORTES

AIGÜESTORTES

Area: 14,119 hectares approx. Province: Lleida (Catalonia)

Its main distinguishing features are the amount of lakes (more than 200), the breathtaking cliffs and their characteristic meanders. It is a paradise for lovers of nature: lakes, streams, waterfalls, rugged peaks and lush forests of black pines, firs, pines, birches and beeches. It is also the home to many interesting plants and fascinating animals of alpine or northern origin.

MONFRAGÜE

MONFRAGÜE

Area: 18,118 ha. Province: Cáceres (Extremadura)

It is one of the best areas of Mediterranean forest. The Tajo and Tiétar rivers form the axis of the park which is fitted into a narrow gorge of quartzite and slate mountain rages. The landscape has great contrast: it combines the extreme aridity of the highlands with the green valleys covered with forests and meadows. Among its fauna the most characteristic species of this park are Iberian imperial eagles, black vultures, black storks and Iberian lynxes.

ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE CABRERA

Archipiélago de CabreraArea: 10,021 ha (land and 1,318 offshore 8703) Province: Mallorca

It is the best example of undisturbed ecosystems of the Mediterranean Spanish islands. There are large colonies of seabirds, endemic species and is one of the best preserved marine resources of our coastline. In this park there are over 150 species of birds and 200 species of fish.

CALDERA DE TABURIENTE

CALDERA DE TABURIENTE

Area: 4.690 ha. Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands).

It is characterized by a huge circus of 8 km in diameter cauldron-shaped, where multiple volcanic eruptions, major landslides, erosive forces of water and time have modeled its geomorphology, making it a rugged landscape with almost 2,000 m drop. It stands out for its high cliffs and ravines, forming a pine forest ecosystem with endemic plants and animals.

GARAJONAY

GARAJONAYArea: 3,986 ha. Province: Island of La Gomera (Canary Islands).

A short distance from the Sahara desert coast, along the summits of the island of Gomera, one takes refuge in the most unique and emblematic forests of the state. The mist that rises from the ocean is ‘glued’ to the summits. Another attraction of this park is the moisture and freshness, which favors the existence of mysterious forests, the last remaining survivors of subtropical forests that existed millions of years ago.

TEIDE

TEIDEArea: 18,990 ha. Province: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands).

It is the oldest and largest of the Canarian parks. Its special geological landscape is one of the most spectacular in the world, where the volcanic cones and lava flow forming an incredible range of colours and shapes. It’s remarkably rich biologically speaking, with an extraordinary percentage of endemic plant species and a unique invertebrate fauna.

TIMANFAYA

TIMANFAYA

Area: 5107 ha. Province: Las Palmas (Canary Islands).

From this place they say is not a dead land, but newborn. Although apparently a desolate and rugged landscape it is colonized mainly by the plant world. I consists mainly of shades of black and reddish sands and lapillis and dark basaltic lava, all spotted with different colors of many species belonging to the lichens. You can not forget its biological richness and the large number of endemic plants and animals.

PARQUE MARÍTIMO TERRESTRE DE LAS ISLAS ATLÁNTICAS DE GALICIA

PARQUE MARÍTIMO TERRESTRE DE LAS ISLAS ATLÁNTICAS DE GALICIA

Surface: 8480 ha (7285.2 and 1194.8 maritime terrestrial) Province: Pontevedra and A Coruña (Galicia).

These islands emerge from the ocean and beautify the seascape with cliffs. In the bottom of the sea is where the ecological wealth of this park lays. It is certainly a place to discover the mysteries and legends of the Atlantic. There are over 200 types of algae where many fish and shellfish breed and live. Sea birds are adapted to living in the narrow crevices of the cliffs.

FUERTEVENTURA

FUERTEVENTURA

Area: 1659 km2 Province: Las Palmas (Canarias)

Currently, the Governing Council has approved a 300,000 € grant to the Fuerteventura city hall for conducting the necessary studies to submit the proposal for the creation of a National Park representative of natural systems themselves in the arid Canary Island of Fuerteventura. The possible declaration of this new natural area in Fuerteventura could have a significant economic and environmental impact.