Ibex Trex

Sierra Nevada represents the highest massif in Europe after the Alps, with Mulhacen at 3482m is the highest peak in the Iberian peninsular. The highest peaks can remain snow capped for the much of the year which is unusual seeing as its only 33km from the Mediterranean coast.  The Sierra Nevada, designated Andalucia's second national park in 1999 after Donana. Extends over a range of 2000km2, through the regions of Granada and Almeria.

The climate is classified as Mediterranean, due to a dry period of about two months during the summer but also due to the gain in altitude and the southerly and northerly aspects several mico-climates can be found in the region. These micro climates coupled with altitude and the complex geological history lead to the formation of many different ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

The habitats found in this diverse region range from sub-desert, flower rich meadows, riverine systems and grazed pastures, oak woodland, pine woodland leading to cold deserts of sub-tundra and alpine like plateaus.

The stunning botanical biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada which boasts over 2000 species of plant of which over 80 are exlcusive endemic species and over 300 endemic to the Iberian peninsular. Further to this the Sierra Nevada has over 100 endemic species of fauna. Moreover, the isolation of surrounding ecosystems there are undoubtley more species yet to be discovered.

Specialites of the area include :-

Mammals	Birds	Reptiles	Butterlifes	Flowers
Spanish Ibex	Golden Eagle	Spiny-footed Lizard	Apollo(Nevadensis)	Sierra Nevada Gentian
Beech Martin	Bonellis' Eagle	Large Psammodromus	Swallowtail(also Scarce)	Spanish Foxglove
Common Genet	Golden Oriole	Oscellated Lizard	Black-veined White	Star of the Snow
Boar	Alpine Ascentor	Worm Lizard	Desert Orange-tip
Blind Mole	Red-billed Chough	Lataste's Viper	Black Satyr
White-toothed Shrew	Crested Tit	Montpellier Snake	Giant Peacock Moth

The Cabo de Gata was designated a Natural Park in 1987 and a Biosphere reserve in 1997. The Natural Park extends over an area of about 38,000 hectares. Within this there are many and varied wildlife habitats and ecosystems. The mains one of interest include;

The Sierra del Cabo de Gata a very scenic range of rugged mountains of volcanic origin. The highest peak, surprisingly only reaches a height of 493m and is called Pico del Fraile.

The Salinas (salt flats) del Cabo de Gata are a paradise for ornithologists with over a hundred species and more during the migration periods. The littoral zone and dunes which lie on the seaward side are botanically species rich.

Whilst the steppe area around las Almoladeras supports many species of xerophytic and sub-desert plant species. Bird watchers are again catered for with many species of 'steppe' birds. Indeed one of the few sites in Europe which has breeding Trumpeter finch and Dupont Lark.

Close by the Desierto de Tabernas(tabernas desert), the only semi-desert in europe, has a surreal lunar landscape . It has one of the most geologically interesting landscapes in Europe, since it shows the natural desertification and erosion. It harbours a fair variety of xerophyte flora accustomed to surviving in semi-arid areas and in this harsh landscape there is a wealth of vertebrates, most notably reptiles and birds.

Specialites of the area include :-