Nature Montes de Malaga

"Montes de Malaga", five kilometers north of Malaga. The park, designated by the local government in July 1989, covers an area of ​​4,900 hectares. The main part of the park is covered by the City of Malaga and the rest belongs to Casabermeja. It is an area of low-lying hills ranging from 80 meters to the top of "La Reina," which has a height of 1,032 meters.

Vegetation

Previously, the slopes covered with trees, but when the Christian settlers after the reconquest returned to the area they replaced the natural vegetation with olive trees, almond trees and vineyards which is economically productive. The gradual process of deforestation had a disastrous effect on Malaga, it was responsible for the floods that have devastated Málaga often. In the thirties, the situation was only resolved through a program of afforestation, which to the present appearance of the park led.

High humidity

In the upper layers the humidity is very high with a Mediterranean-continental vegetation, while in the lower layer is dry and there is a tropical-Mediterranean ecosystem. In the park there are various kinds of trees, the most common is the aleppo used in the reforestation of the park. There are also other types of conifers, such as the benjamini tree, cypress, etc. Most dominant trees are the oak and the olive tree, while the chestnut, poplar, wild olive, ash, willow and strawberry bush less common.

Flora

Amid the thickets are the palm tree, bramble, red lavender, broom, hawthorn, thyme, juniper tree, poppies and wild asparagus.

Fauna

The park has an abundance of wildlife, the most notable species are wild boars, foxes, badgers, martens, weasels, polecats, but also smaller animals such as rabbits, squirrels, bats and hedgehogs. Ornithologists will be interested in the fact that there are a variety of birds of prey in the park, including hawks, eagles and owls, as well as more common species such as wood pigeons, partridges, doves, thrushes, cuckoo, tits and nightingales.

Reptiles

Among the reptiles and amphibians that are hiding in the natural environment are lizards, snakes, lizards, geckos and toads. The most outstanding is the chameleon, a species threatened with extinction, but there are perfect conditions for the chameleon to survive in the park.

Recreation

The above describes, in general terms, the botanical and biological resources of the natural park "Montes de Malaga." The park is also suitable for recreation, this will be many visitors to the nearby cities agree.

What to do?

There are campsites, a nature museum and an anthropology museum. However, one of the best ways to enjoy yourself is simply by enjoying the scenery. There is no better way than to follow one of the many routes using directions, which run through the park or by improvising your own route if you are adventurous and energetic.