Points of interest:Dense forest covers most of the park due to the humid climate which has an Atlantic influence. This is the western end of the "Sierra de Morena" mountain range, close to the Portuguese border. Oak and Chestnut are the main tree species with meadow pastures which are grazed by "Ganado Bravo", fighting bulls. Cerdo Iberico, a breed of black pig from Iberia, is raised in the pastures and feeds on the acorns giving it a distinct flavour. The village of Jabugo, one of the 28 within the park, produces world renowned Jamon Iberico products. There are two reservoirs in the park; Embalse de Zufre and Embalse de Aracena.
Flora:Chestnut trees were encouraged here by the Romans and have established dense woodland. Oaks such as Cork (
Quercus suber) and Gall (
Q. faginea) grow better in the valleys and lower slopes. Poplars, Willows, Alders and Ash occupy river and stream banks. Stone pine (
Pinus pinea) and Black pine (
Pinus pinaster) have been planted as well as Eucalyptus. Scrub consists of the small Kermes oak (
Quercus coccifera), the thorned climber Smilax (
Smilex aspera) and
Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus). Few Pyrenean oaks exist as they have been used for firewood over the last few decades.
Fauna:Some of the many bird species that can be seen here are Black stork, White stork, Golden,
Spanish imperial and Booted eagles,
Griffon vulture, Egyptian and Black vultures, Lesser kestrel, Goshawk, Osprey, Black-winged, Black and Red kites, Marsh, Hen and Montagu’s harriers, Crane, Little bustard, Great spotted cuckoo and
Red-necked nightjar. Some colourful characters are Hoopoes,
Azure-winged magpies, Bee-eaters,
Golden orioles, Southern grey and Woodchat shrikes.
Mammals are generally difficult to spot but recorded within the park are Wild boar,
Fox, Badgers, Genet, Wild cat, Mongoose,
Stone martin, Polecat, Weasel and introduced are
Red deer and Mouflon.
Also in the area:Grutas de las Maravillas is a limestone wonder with tremendous stalactites and stalagmites and more than 2km of caverns including 6 lakes. The entrance for visitors is in the town of Aracena which is also known for its 13thC Templar church and ruined castle.
The most ancient European copper mines are located south of the village of Minas de Riotinto. They were worked from Phoenician times and presently there is a museum and narrow gauge tourist train visiting these open cast mines.
Information/Visitors Centers“Cabildo Viejo”, Plaza Alta, Aracena
Museo Arqueológico in the castle, Aroche
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