THC Science

The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park (Spanish: Parque natural de la Sierra de Grazalema) is a natural park in the northeastern part of the province of Cádiz in southern Spain. The park encompasses, within its 51,695 hectares (127,740 acres), a complex of mountain ranges, known collectively as the Sierra de Grazalema, which, in turn, are part of the Cordillera Subbética. Other ranges within the park, comprising the Sierra de Grazalema, include the Sierra de Zafalgar, the Sierra del Pinar, and the Sierra de Endrinal. Pinar (or Torreón), 1,654 metres (5,427 ft) in elevation, is the tallest peak.

The Sierra de Grazalema, a karstic region, contains a number of large limestone caverns, including the Cueva del Gato, the Cueva de la Pileta and the Garganta Verde. The Sierra de Grazalema is also home to many colonies of vultures, including a few pairs of Egyptian vultures, a species which is seriously threatened. The natural park was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977.

El Pinsapar Forest[edit]

"El Pinsapar" ^[1] is a notable forest located within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, southern Spain. It is distinguished for its status as one of the last remaining habitats of the Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo), a rare and endangered conifer species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by dense stands of Spanish Fir trees, El Pinsapar forms an integral component of the park's diverse ecosystem. This ancient woodland provides critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the montane environment of the Sierra de Grazalema. Visitors to El Pinsapar can explore designated trails, experiencing the unique beauty and biodiversity of this remarkable forest.