The Somontano region possesses numerous areas that are protected by the Habitats Directive, a European conservation policy. These are known in Spain as LIC’s or internationally as SCI’s (Sites of Community Importance.) In addition, the Birds Directive protects a number of species in areas known locally as ZEPA or, Bird Protection Areas. Natura 2000’s aim is to ensure long-term survival of species and habitats in Europe, stopping the loss of biodiversity. It is the EU’s main instrument to preserve nature.

These form part of the European Natura 2000 Network, which in Somontano represents more than one quarter of its surface area. (29.81%)

An impressive karstic canyon excavated by the River Ésera. This SCI also includes the Carrodilla Mountains to the south, with peaks of over 1,000m. Of particular importance are riverside thickets, woods of Portuguese, kermes and holm oaks and rupicolous flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the area.

This SCI is made up by the middle and lower stretches of both rivers, which act as a natural border between the pre-Pyrenean peaks and the Ebro Valley. Highlights are riverside vegetation, such as willow and poplar groves, and abundant aquatic fauna. (Especially birds.)

The abundant and wide variety of birdlife in the Sierra de Guara led to its declaration as a Special Protection Area for Birds in 1998.

Populations of cliff-nesting birds, Alpine swifts, Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, bearded vultures, golden eagles, short-toed eagles, eagle owls, peregrine falcons, choughs, and red kites stand out here.

Sierra de Guara is an integral part of the distribution of many species from the Pyrenean range, constituting an enclave of the alpine biogeographic region in the Mediterranean. This makes it the southern limit of Pyrenean flora and alpine and Eurosiberian communities, with beech forests in the most humid ravines and residual fir trees. It is also the range limit of some endemic Pyrenean vertebrates, such as the Pyrenean brook salamander.

Discover all this biodiversity with our Ornithological Routes.