Читать книгу Walking and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada. 38 walks, scrambles and multi-day traverses онлайн

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Probably the most emblematic plant of the Sierra Nevada is the estrella de las nieves (‘star of the snows’; Plantago nivalis), which has a legend of being the flower of eternal love.

The wide range in altitude here results in two major forest zones: a conifer zone, typical of the higher elevations (1200m–2500m), and a mixed broadleaf zone occuring at mid and lower levels. The park is home to such tree species as Salzmann pine (Pinus nigra), Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), and Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster).

Birds

The colourful bee-eater is found in the lower slopes of the Alpujarras from spring to autumn (Photo: Kiersten Rowland)

In 2017 it was estimated that over 60 species of bird live in the Sierra Nevada. Birds of prey commonly seen include the golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, short-toed and booted eagles. Many smaller species such as kestrels, peregrine falcons and goshawks are also frequently spotted.

Griffon vultures are common and seemingly dominate the skies from late spring to autumn. The vulture is nature’s natural dustbin-cleaner and does a superb job of clearing the land of unwanted carcasses. The successful reintroduction of the lammergeier (bearded vulture) in a nearby mountain range means there’s a chance you’ll see one of these beautiful rare vultures visiting the Sierra Nevada.