Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park

Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park (Parque Natural de Sierra de María-Los Vélez) is a natural park of Spain. It is situated in Almería province in the municipalities of Chirivel, Maria, Vélez-Blanco, Vélez-Rubio.

Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park
Parque Natural de Sierra de María-Los Vélez
Map of Sierra de María-Los Vélez Natural Park
LocationAlmería, Spain
Nearest cityVélez-Blanco
Coordinates37°42′27″N 2°07′55″W / 37.7075°N 2.132°W / 37.7075; -2.132
Area226.7 km2 (87.5 sq mi)
Established1987
Sierra de Maria-Los Velez Natural Park - Air Photo (West Side)

It was designated a natural park in 1987 and covers 226.7 km2 (87.5 sq mi). The park encompasses pine forests and supports a varied flora, including some species unique to the Sierra.[1] Its highest peak is the María, a limestone outcrop of 2,045 metres (6,709 ft).[1]

Fauna

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There are 100 bird species, including 17 species of birds of prey, and the park was declared a Special Protection Area in 2002. There is a butterfly subspecies of parnassius apollo, which is endemic to this area.

Archaeology

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The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, and archaeological remains from Paleolithic and Neolithic times have been excavated. Sites include:

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c "Sierra Maria-Los Velez Natural Park, Flora and Fauna of Andalucía, Southern Spain". Andalucia.com. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
  2. ^ "Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations. Retrieved 16 May 2020.
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