Asturias flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of Asturias is very varied, so its characteristics are equally diverse. There are species adapted to the different types of ecosystems found throughout the region, from the Adaptation to High Mountain Climate until Aquatic adaptations To live in their rivers, and much more. According to the areas there are different types of species of flora and fauna, for example:

• The Asturian flora is abundant and varied, standing out for its leafy and green forests. In the mountainous areas, such as the Picos de Europa, the forests of Hayas and Robleswhich form dense deciduous forests. In the wettest areas, it is also common to find Castaños and hazelnuts.
• Coastal areas and valleys house diverse vegetation, including Fresnos, smoothes and different species of maple.
• In grasslands and grasslands, you can find numerous herbaceous species, wild flowers and medicinal plants. In addition, high mountain flora includes species adapted to more extreme climates, such as the blueberry and the giant.
• As for fauna, it is equally rich and varied. Asturias is home to some emblematic and protected species. He Cantabrian brown bear It is perhaps the most notable, living in the most remote areas of the Picos in Europe and in the Cantabrian mountain range.
• Another outstanding species is the Iberian wolfwhich also lives in mountainous and wooded areas.
• Among the most common mammals are the deer, the roe and the wild boar.
• In rivers and streams, it is possible to find Nets and a rich diversity of fish, such as Common trout and Atlantic salmonthe latter being a kind of great ecological and economic importance.
• The coastal mountains and cliffs house numerous raptors, such as The Royal Eagle, the Alimoche and the Globed Vulture. Wet areas and estuaries are habitat of many aquatic and migratory birds, such as royal heron and various species of ducks and seagulls.

Let’s see some of the most emblematic species of Asturias’ flora:

• Is (Fagus Sylvatica): Hague is one of the most common trees in the forests of Asturias. These deciduous trees can reach up to 40 meters high and form lush forests that change color with the stations, offering an impressive visual show, especially in autumn.
• Oak (Quercus): Robles are also predominant in Asturian forests. The common oak (Quercus Robur) and the oak Albar (Quercus Petraea) are species that can live hundreds of years and provide habitat and food for many fauna species.
• Chestnut (Castanea sativa): The chestnut is another remarkable tree in the flora of Asturias, especially in the wettest and mountainous areas. This tree is known for its chestnuts, which have been a traditional food source in the region. Here you can discover the different types of chestnuts.
• Hazelnut (Corylus Avellana): The hazelnut is frequent in the mixed forests of Asturias. This medium -sized bush produces edible hazelnuts and is important for local fauna, which uses its fruits as food.
• Fresno (Fraxinus Excelsior): Fresos are often found on the banks of rivers and in humid soils. They are high and slender trees, known for their hard and resistant wood, which has been traditionally used in the manufacture of tools and furniture.
• GENCANA (Gentiana Lutea): This high mountain plant is known for its yellow flowers and its use in traditional medicine. The giant grows in alpine meadows and is an indicator of good ecological health of these ecosystems.
• Heather (Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.): Burs are shrubs that grow in mountainous areas and in poor soils and acids. Its purple and pink flowers add a touch of color to the landscape and are important for bees and other pollinators.

Let’s see some of the most emblematic species of Asturias’ fauna:

• Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos Pyrenaicus): The Cantabrian brown bear is one of the most emblematic species of Asturias. It lives mainly in the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian mountain range. These bears are lonely and have shy behavior, but are crucial for the ecological balance of forests. Here you can read why the brown bear is in danger of extinction.
• Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The Iberian wolf is also a significant inhabitant of Asturian mountains and forests. This predator plays an important role in the control of herbivorous populations and in the health of ecosystems. Wolves usually live in herds and have a well -defined social structure. In this link you will know why the Iberian wolf is in danger of extinction.
• Deer (Cervus elaphus): The deer are common in the forests and meadows of Asturias. They are herbivores and feed on pastures, leaves and shoots. Males are known for their imposing antlers, which move and regenerate annually.
• Otter (Lutra lutra): The otter is an inhabitant of the rivers and streams of Asturias. It is a semiacuatic mammal known for its agility in water and its diet based on fish, crustaceans and small amphibians. In this other post we show you the different types of otters.
• Real eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos): The real eagle is one of the most majestic raptors of Asturias. With its great size and acute vision, mainly mammals and medium -sized birds hunt. In this link you can know why the real eagle is in danger of extinction.
• Disposable vulture (GYPS Fulvus): This vulture is common in mountainous areas and feeds mainly carrion. Its large flocks are an impressive view while planning in thermal currents. Here we indicate the different types of vultures.
• Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar): Atlantic salmon is famous for its migration from the ocean to the Asturias rivers to spawn. This species is a symbol of river conservation and is important both ecologically and economically.

Asturias, despite its rich biodiversity, faces significant challenges in the conservation of certain species of flora and fauna that are in danger of extinction due to human pressure, the loss of habitat, climate change and other threats. Apart from some mentioned in the previous sections, these are some of the species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction:

• Cantabrian urogal (Tetrao Urogallus Cantabricus): He lives in coniferous forests and High Mountain Hayes, but the loss of habitat, climate change and the low reproduction rate are taking this species to the edge of extinction. Current estimates suggest that less than 500 individuals are left in the Cantabrian mountain range.
• Iberian fall (Pyrenaicus Galemys): This small semi -communication mammal, known for its elongated snout, lives in rivers and streams of clean water. Water pollution, habitat destruction and competition with invasive species are its main threats. Iberian Desman is an indicator of the quality of river ecosystems.
• Salamandra rabilarga (Chioglossa Lusitanica): This kind of amphibian, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, lives in wet areas and shaded forests and rivers. The destruction of the habitat and the contamination of the water courses represent serious threats for their survival.
• Tejo (Baccata Taxus): The Tejo is an ancient tree found in mixed forests and mountainous areas. Although it is not extremely rare, its population has decreased due to logging, collection for medicinal use and herbivorous pressure.
• Narcissus of Asturias (Narcissus Asturiensis): This little narcissus is endemic to Asturias and other areas of the Cantabrian mountain range. Its restricted habitat and excessive collection for ornamental use endanger their survival. The Narcissus of Asturias grows in wet and clear forests, and it is vital to protect these habitats.

Now that you have learned all this about the flora and fauna of Asturias, we encourage you to continue learning about the flora and fauna. Here you can know the flora and fauna of the Picos de Europa.

If you want to read more articles similar to Asturias flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.