The Picos de Europa are located in northern Spain and stand out for their biological diversity and ecological importance. This mountainous region houses a wide variety of plant and animal species, adapted to the extreme conditions of its environment. However, many of these species are in danger of extinction due to various threats such as habitat loss and human activity. Some examples of flora and fauna of the Picos de Europa are plants, such as the Narcissus of the Picos de Europa, the Thomillo de los Picos de Europa, the wild chamomile, the lavender and the Tejo, and animals, such as the Cantabrian brown bear, Los Rebecos, the Eagle Calzada and the Quebranthuesos.
In this ecology article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Flora and fauna of Europe and biodiversity in danger of extinction.
Characteristics of the flora and fauna of the peaks of Europe
- In the region there are a great diversity of both plant and animal species, thanks to the variety of habitats present in this mountainous area. You can find an alpine and subalpine vegetation. In the highest areas, above 1,500 meters of altitude, species adapted to extreme conditions are found, such as El Piornal, El Brezal, the Hour Har and various species of lichens and mosses.
- In intermediate altitude areas, between 800 and 1,500 meters, the forests of Robles, Hayas and Castañoswith a great biodiversity of ferns, lichens and mushrooms.
- On the other hand, on the lowest slopes, below 800 meters, we find forests of Red pine and cow pinealong with holly, hazelnuts and cloths.
- Throughout the rivers and streams that cross the region, a characteristic vegetation is developed, such as willows, ash, Alisos and Chopos.
- As for the fauna, among the most emblematic mammals are the Cantabrian brown bear, the rebel, the roe, The deer, the wild boar and the Iberian wolf. In addition, various species of bats inhabit the area, such as the Big Ratonian bat and the Cave Bat.
- This region is a paradise for raptor birds, with species such as cheebranthuesos, The Royal Eaglethe grown vulture, the alimoche and the Real owl.
- You can also find other birds such as The Urogallothe black pito, the scribe Montesino and the lonely rocker.
- Europe’s peaks house a good variety of amphibians and reptiles, such as Alpine triton, The common salamandrathe rough viper, the lizard roquera and The viperine snake.
- In the ecosystems of this mountain region we find a rich diversity of insects, spiders and other invertebrates, some of which are endemic to the region.
In this other post you can learn more about the mountain ecosystem: characteristics, flora and fauna.
Flora of the Picos de Europa
We have already seen that the flora of the peaks of Europe is very rich. There are endemic species, that is, those that are only found in this region and not in other parts of the world. These species, such as Narcissus of the Picos de Europa (Narcissus Asturiensis) or the Tomillo de los Picos de Europa (Thymus longicaulis), are of special interest to conservation.
The flora of Europe’s peaks includes a variety of plants with medicinal and aromatic properties used traditionally for therapeutic and culinary purposes by local communities. Among them are:
- Silvestre chamomile
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Sage
- Elder
In addition, due to the fragility of many ecosystems of these peaks, several plant species are protected by national and international legislation. This is the case, for example, of Tejo (Baccata Taxus)an ancient tree that is in danger of extinction and whose presence in the region is subject to special attention by conservation programs.
On the other hand, on the highest summits, above 2,000 meters, the vegetation is reduced to species adapted to extreme conditions, such as Lickenes, mosses, crash and herbaceous plants of small bearingwhich find their habitat in rock cracks and poorly developed soils.
Fauna of the Picos de Europa
This mountainous region serves as a migratory step for many birds, especially during spring and autumn seasons. The Picos de Europa offer refuge and food resources to migratory birds such as:
- Real Milano
- Eagle Calzada
- Dorsirrojo Alcaudón
- Paseriform species
The fauna of the Picos de Europa has developed various adaptations to survive in a mountain and changing environment. The rebelsfor example, they are adapted to inhabit in rocky and steep grounds, while The brown bear He has developed a varied diet to take advantage of the resources available at different stations of the year.
In these ecosystems you can see a series of ecological interactions between different animal species, such as predation, competition for resources and symbiosis. These interactions contribute to maintaining ecological balance in the ecosystem and are subject to study by biologists and ecologists.
Flora and fauna of Europe in danger of extinction
Unfortunately, European peaks also house several species of flora and fauna that are in danger of extinction due to various factors, such as habitat loss, poaching, pollution and climate change. Among these species are:
- Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos): This emblematic kind of bear is one of the symbols of Europe’s peaks, but its population has been reduced considerably in recent centuries due to hunting and destruction of its natural habitat. Despite conservation efforts, it is still an endangered species in the region. In this other article we talk about why the brown bear is in danger of extinction.
- Breakthrough (Gypaetus barbatus): This majestic Ave Rapaz, known for its bone diet, was on the verge of extinction in the Iberian Peninsula due to direct persecution and poisoned poisoning poisoning. Although reintroduction programs have been implemented with the burn with some success, it still faces threats such as lack of food and secondary poisoning.
- Iberian lynx (Lynx Pardinus): Although it is not common to see the Iberian lynx in the Picos de Europa, its historical presence in the Iberian Peninsula makes its conservation relevant to the entire region. The loss of habitat and the shortage of natural dams have led this species to the edge of extinction in the past, and conservation efforts continue to protect their latest populations. Here we tell you more about why the Iberian lynx is in danger of extinction.
- Tejo (Baccata Taxus): This ancient tree, which is in danger of extinction in many places in Europe, is also threatened in the Picos de Europa due to the illegal felling and the degradation of its habitat. Despite being a protected species, its recovery is slow and requires more effective conservation measures.
- Alpine trit (Ichthyosaura Alpestris): This endemic amphibian of Europe is in danger of extinction in the European peaks due to the degradation of its aquatic habitats, water pollution and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their reproduction areas and improving water quality in streams and lakes where it lives.
Now that you know better the flora and fauna of the Picos de Europa, we recommend you to know more about Spanish biodiversity reading this other ecology article on the flora and fauna of Spain.
If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of Europewe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.
