Subbetica
SUBBÉTIC MOUNTAINS NATURAL PARK
The Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park is situated in the north-west of the province of Córdoba, making it the geographical centre of Andalusia. It covers 32,056 hectares of the Baetic System. The municipalities in Córdoba included within thesocio-economic catchment areaare Cabra, Carcabuey, Doña Mencia, Iznajar, Priego de Córdoba, Rute, Luque and Zuheros. The Sierras Subbéticas are home to La Tiñosa, the highest peak in the province at 1,570 metres.
The Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park was designated a Protected Natural Area on 28 July 1989. Furthermore, in 2006 this area was recognised as a member of the European Geoparks Network by the European Committee. Additionally, since 2015 it has held the designation of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The creation of the Natural Park stems from the intention to guide and organise a region of outstanding natural and socio-cultural value. Its aim is theprotection and conservation of the landscapeand the natural communities of flora and fauna; in other words, to safeguard from deterioration those areas worthy of preservation. The rich variety of features that adorn its landscapes bear witness to a deep-rooted tradition, reflected in a rural setting and the agricultural practices characteristic of these mountain ranges. On the one hand, there are genuine examples of karstic landscapes, endemic species are common, and there is also agreat diversity of flora. On the other hand, this Park is a prime habitat for species such as the peregrine falcon, the Cabrera shrew and the river crab.
The typical vegetation is that of the Mediterranean environment and is characterised by the presence of few tree species of low stature, a wide variety of shrub species and a poorly developed herbaceous layer. The holm oak and the gall oak are the dominant species, although wild olive trees and almond trees are also significant, as are the poplars and ash trees found along the riverbanks. Among the species forming part of the undergrowth and scrub, the most notable are the rockrose, strawberry tree, juniper, Spanish juniper, heather and mastic. At the lower level, asparagus, sarsaparilla, ivy, gorse and thyme are abundant. We must mention the peonies for their particular beauty, and we highlight the presence of endemic species for their exceptional importance. The protected areaconsists of a series of rocky massifs with steep slopes and altitudes that sometimes exceed 1,500 metres. These geographical features set them apart from the rest of the surrounding territory. This area has the highest rainfall levels in the province.