Mountain systems can be viewed as laboratories for evaluating the effects of climate change.
The great diversity of environmental conditions and altitudes within a reduced area make it possible to evaluate the effects of the climate on the distribution of biodiversity and the functioning of the different ecosystems. In this respect, in the Sierra Nevada, which covers an area of 172,238 ha, significant changes have already been observed in the availability of the water that enables the ecosystems to function (i.e. changes in the pattern of snowfall, river flow rates, aquifers, etc.). These alterations, which are caused by climate change, have major impacts on the natural ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada, resulting in changes to the composition, organisation and functioning of plant communities (including altitude displacement and phenological changes), the introduction of invasive exotic species, the appearance of emerging diseases in wildlife, and more.
SURFACE AREA
172,238 HA
Population of the area of socio-economic influence: 96,019 inhabitants
POPULATION
96,019 INHABITANTS
Population of the area of socio-economic influence
MUNICIPALITIES
60 MUNICIPALITIES
Contribute territory to the Natural Park
MAIN ACTIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED
Management of pine forests to promote the recovery of ecosystem services.
Adaptive management of Quercus woodland in mountainous areas in order to protect ecosystem services.
Adaptive management of mountain scrub (Juniperus spp.) in order to protect ecosystem services.
HABITATS OF INTEREST OR PRIORITY(*) HABITATS LISTED IN ANNEX I OF THE HABITATS DIRECTIVE THAT WILL BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED
5120 Mountain Cystisus purgans formations.
9230 Galicio-Portuguese oak woods with Quercus rubur and Quercus pyrenaica.
9340 Quercus ilex and Q. rotundifolia forests.