Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain
The Monfragüe National Park is located in the region of Extremadura in western Spain at the confluence of the rivers Tajo (Tagus) and Tiétar. The rivers have eroded deep gorges flanked by sheer rock faces. However, their flow was dammed in the late 1960s and the resulting reservoirs ensure an abundance of standing water all year round.
Monfragüe extends to 17,852 hectares and was declared a Parque Natural (Natural Park) in 1979 and then a Parque Nacional (National Park) in 2007. Monfragüe was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by UNESCO.
The variety of habitats within Monfragüe range from open grassland, wooded valleys and scrub-covered hillsides to high rocky crags and they support a wide range of Iberian birds including some major rarities. Part of the area has been planted with non-native pines and eucalyptus but much native Mediterranean-type woodland remains including the dehesa. This habitat, almost confined to Iberia is dry, open pasture with scattered patches of cork and holm oak and has a characteristic flora and fauna, providing breeding and feeding sites for many of the region's birds.
Monfragüe is the best known raptor site in Spain and has one of the largest colonies of Black Vultures in the world and one of the highest concentrations of the Spanish Imperial Eagle in the world. In all, 3 species of vulture breed here along with 5 species of eagle, 3 species of kite and 2 species of harrier.
As well as supporting some of Spain's rarest birds, Monfragüe is home to the rare Iberian Lynx and many other mammals. In addition to 15 species of bat there are Red Deer, Roe Deer and Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, Wildcat, Otter, Genet, Polecat and Beech Marten and more widespread species such as Red Fox and Badger. Mouflon and Egyptian Mongoose have been introduced. 19 species of reptile occur, including 9 snakes and various amphibians.
Monfragüe is easily accessible from Cáceres and Trujillo in the south and Plasencia in the north.
Date: 27th April 2012
Location: eastern entrance to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain
Monfragüe extends to 17,852 hectares and was declared a Parque Natural (Natural Park) in 1979 and then a Parque Nacional (National Park) in 2007. Monfragüe was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by UNESCO.
The variety of habitats within Monfragüe range from open grassland, wooded valleys and scrub-covered hillsides to high rocky crags and they support a wide range of Iberian birds including some major rarities. Part of the area has been planted with non-native pines and eucalyptus but much native Mediterranean-type woodland remains including the dehesa. This habitat, almost confined to Iberia is dry, open pasture with scattered patches of cork and holm oak and has a characteristic flora and fauna, providing breeding and feeding sites for many of the region's birds.
Monfragüe is the best known raptor site in Spain and has one of the largest colonies of Black Vultures in the world and one of the highest concentrations of the Spanish Imperial Eagle in the world. In all, 3 species of vulture breed here along with 5 species of eagle, 3 species of kite and 2 species of harrier.
As well as supporting some of Spain's rarest birds, Monfragüe is home to the rare Iberian Lynx and many other mammals. In addition to 15 species of bat there are Red Deer, Roe Deer and Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, Wildcat, Otter, Genet, Polecat and Beech Marten and more widespread species such as Red Fox and Badger. Mouflon and Egyptian Mongoose have been introduced. 19 species of reptile occur, including 9 snakes and various amphibians.
Monfragüe is easily accessible from Cáceres and Trujillo in the south and Plasencia in the north.
Date: 27th April 2012
Location: eastern entrance to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, Extremadura, Spain
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Also in: South and west Spain - April and May 2012
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