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Regions of Spain -
Andalucia
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Region: Andalucia
Province: Málaga
Declared a Natural Park: 1978
Declared a Natural Area: ‘Paraje Natural’ 1989
(re-named as it is a smaller area in comparison to the Natural Parks).
Park surface area: 1.171 hectares
Zona Especial para la Protección de las Aves (Special bird protection zone)
Points of interest:
Close to the town of Antequera, on the southern side, is a limestone mount that holds some of the most impressive Karst structured rock in Europe. It also contains a wealth of fauna and flora, with some of the plant life only being found in this zone. This protected area is designated a Paraje Natural, which translates as a Natural Area or Spot, it covers 1.171 hectares. Its importance was recognised as long ago as 1929 when it became the first natural area to be protected in Andalusia, due to the great value of the geology, its beauty and the variety of wildlife to be found there.
This is a part of the Subbéticas mountain range which dissects Andalusia from east to west. El Torcal has an elevation of around 1300m above sea level but was a flat sea bed about 150million years ago. At this time a stretch of sea water cut across Iberia from Cadiz to Alicante, the floor of which was uplifted in parts during the Tertiary era. This particular area of limestone rock remained level as it lifted and for this reason we see amazing patterns of erosion today. Natural dissolution from rain along with frost and wind action has modelled the rock into a rugged landscape that pictures cannot do justice to. Not only have natural vertical faults been eroded to create wide, deep corridors but also a rounding of the individual horizontal layers creates a sculptured look on a giant scale. Huge blocks of rugged stone contrast completely with the small lush green pockets in between. The highest point in El Torcal is Camorro Alto at 1.378m above sea level
Flora:
Traditional use partially cleared this area due to making charcoal, logging and grazing of livestock which was undertaken on this mountainside, until its uniqueness was appreciated. Of major botanical importance here are the rock dwelling plants that cling to fissures. Linaria anticaria, Dianthus anticarius, Saxifraga biternata, Linaria oblongifolia, Viola demetria, Saxifraga reuterana, Polypodium australe and Sarcocapnos baetica being amongst them.
Ivies and Honeysuckles clad some of the rocks whilst during spring time Orchids, Bluebells, Peonies and Iris spread colour around the sheltered grassy areas.
Some scattered and stunted trees are adapted to this tough environment such as Evergreen oak (Quercus rotundifolia) and Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera), Gall Oak (Quercus faginea), Wild Olive (Olea europaea sylvestris), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Sorbus (Sorbus aria) and Acers (Acer monspessulanum, A. granatense).
There are some plants within the park that are on the Red List of endangered species:
Atropa baetica and Sarcocapnos baetica subsp. baetica are in danger of extinction, whilst listed as vulnerable are: Acer opalus subsp granatense, Acer monspessulanum, Saxifraga biternata and Sorbus aria.
Fauna:
The rocks are home to many birds including: Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Red-billed Chough, Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, with wintering Alpine Accentors. Griffon Vulture, Eagles and Kestrels may be seen in the open skies while Eagle Owl and Little Owl find refuge amongst the cliffs and rocks.
The ruggedness of the terrain creates enclaves where a selection of fauna remains almost undetected: Spanish Ibex, Fox, Badger, Wild Cat, Least weasel, Rabbit and Vole.
Of the reptiles, those most likely to catch your eye are: Ocellated Lizard (Lacerta lepida), Large Psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) and Iberian Wall Lizard (Podarcis hispanica). While Lataste’s Viper (Vipera latastei), Montpelier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), Ladder snake (Elaphe scalaris) are more timid.
Two pathways have been marked through this unique stone gallery to allow you to safely traverse the mount - as to wander freely would be very disorientating. These footpaths take you through certain features and there is a ‘Mirador’ with an overview of this sea of limestone. There is an information centre and ample parking at the termination of the only road that enters this area. This road is accessed on the southern side of El Torcal.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 18 October 2008 16:33 |
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