Spain

Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Special Protection Area (ES0000051):

Created in 1989, this area is in the westernmost range of Serra Morena, north of the Huelva province. The area alternates between valleys occupied by cork oak forest and mountains with dense forests. The forestry importance of this area is undeniable, with areas of oak trees, chestnut trees and riparian vegetation. It is worth mentioning the great floristic diversity, both in abundance and importance of species, since there are several peninsular and ibero-north-african endemic species. The cultural heritage, in perfect harmony with the landscape, is an added value of this territory.

Tagus international river y Riberos Special Protection Area (ES0000368):

This area is located west of the Cáceres province, bordering Portugal. It follows the Tagus river course and its tributary, Sever river. The vicinity of the Tagus river is restricted to the slopes that surround it, to the Salor river mouth and to the margins of Carbajo and Aurela, while stretching by all the Sever river extension. It is, therefore, a filiform area that accompanies in part the water courses, and a higher area in the western zone.

Three types of main vegetation are identified: forest areas, mainly of quercus (oak trees), shrub areas typically of Mediterranean species and riparian areas of great importance for several species, notably birds.

Llanos de Alcantara y Brozas Special Protection Area (ES0000369):

Located in the west part of the Cáceres province, this area is bordered by the Tagus and Salor rivers. It is an area with gentle slopes, crossed by small streams that flow to both rivers. It also includes shallow lakes and ponds, capable of sheltering a diverse aquatic fauna. The generalized absence of the arboreal stratum is characteristic of this area. The landscape is mainly constituted by large extensions of meadows and dry pastures. With high seasonality, the absence of water is typical of the summer season, except in very specific points that attract fauna.

Sierra de San Pedro Special Protection Area (ES0000070):

Established in 1989, the central core of this area is formed by medium or low altitude mountain ranges. The eastmost border is in the Enmedio mountain and the western border is in the vicinity of Portugal. The richness of the area is determined by hom oaks and cork oak trees, in some cases, accompanied by dense shrub areas of different species. The abundance of cork oak trees makes this one of the main areas of cork production in Spain. It harbours some threatened species like the Spanish imperial eagle, the Cinereous vulture and the Black stork.

La Serena y Sierras Periféricas (La Serena and peripheral mountains) Special Protection Area (ES0000367):

It is the largest protected area, with 154,973 ha, shared by 22 municipalities. The area is characterised by relatively flat or gently sloped terrains, with low altitude and shallow soils. It also includes steppe plains that extend to the Ortigas river. The area is delimited by mountain ranges to the south and has the valleys of the rivers Zújar and Guadalemar. In the La Serena mountain, the vegetation is the result of deforestation in recent centuries and it was accelerated by several erosive processes, resulting in high quality pastures and shrubs. These pastures can be considered pseudo steppes, in which grasses and other annual species dominate. In the valley, there are streams that support the riparian vegetation. The low profitability of the land for agriculture has led to its abandonment. Tiros mountain is composed of a set of mountainous formations of quartzite origin populated by mediterranean vegetation. Standing out in the landscape are its dense shaded areas and rocky cliffs. Together, the open lands of La Serena and surrounding mountain chains form an ecosystem with great conservation value, notably for birdlife.

Lagunas de Villafáfila (ponds of Villafáfila) Special Protection Area (ES0000004):

The landscape has a gentle slope with broad horizons. It is dominated by dryland cereal crops, like wheat and barley, in an homogenous environment due to deforestation. The central area has a temporary and saline pond complex, with shallow depth and seasonality marked by rain. The main ponds include Laguna Grande, Laguna de Barillos and Laguna de las Salinas. The vegetation is rich and diverse, with the presence of halophyte species and areas of reeds and pastures. However, it is an area that is suffering some changes in vegetation due to the presence of invasive species.

Arribes del Duero Special Protection Area (ES0000118):

This area largely encompasses the left margin of the Douro river in the Zamora and Salamanca municipalities, on the border between Spain and Portugal. It also includes valleys formed by Douro’s tributaries. The region is characterised by relatively flat or gently sloped terrains and granitic areas exposed due to erosion, creating deep valleys (cliffs) with differences in level up to 400 m. The landscape presents a mosaic of forests and deciduous cork oak forests, with slopes traditionally cultivated in crops. Cultivation of olive and almond trees is common in areas with smaller granitic outcrops. The valleys have varied forests and shrubs. The construction of many dams along the Douro river resulted in the loss of the original ecosystem in some areas.

Campiñas de Sevilla Special Protection Area (ES6180017):

This landscape covers mainly flat or gently sloped territories. The area is dedicated to the cultivation of dryland cereals. In the Alto Guadiana, there is a mosaic landscape with cork oak forests and areas dedicated to hay production. That is why it represents an important area for several species that depend on these habitats, like the little bustard, the black-bellied sandgrouse, the Montagu’s harrier, the lesser kestrel, the curlew, the king lark and the common sea partridge.

Dehesas de Jerez Special Protection Area (ES4310004):

With 40,963 ha, this area has open pastures, with some cork oak and holm oak trees. It is, therefore, a combination of cork oak forests and crops. This landscape is ideal for extensive agriculture and for livestock production, especially of the Iberian pig, which is an important part of the culture and local economy. The traditional sustainable management practices of Dehesa de Jerez helps to preserve a diverse ecosystem, in terms of flora and fauna. It is a site of ecological and cultural interest.