The Dehesa de Moncayo natural park - Aragón, España

The Dehesa de Moncayo natural park (Parque natural Dehesa de Moncayo) is located in the northwest of the province of Zaragoza, in the districts of Tarazona and El Moncayo, Campo de Borja and Aranda. It is one of the most emblematic natural protected areas in Aragon and it has always been surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend.

It is situated in a fairly isolated location, on the border between the central plateau and the Ebro valley. It is also located at a high altitude (the Moncayo's highest summit is the highest point in the entire Sistema Ibérico at an altitude of 2,315 m).

These characteristics have made the park the perfect habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Native species can be found in the moist environments of Moncayo's northern face, while vegetation on the south side is distinctly Mediterranean. Vegetation differs according to orientation and altitude. The park is also known for its spectacular scenery, which includes peaks, glacial cirques, imposing limestone grinding, ravines and river valleys.

Flora and Fauna in the Dehesa de Moncayo natural park

Moncayo is a unique ecological enclave as it has both the humid environment of central Europe and the dry environment of the Mediterranean. This, combined with its isolated location and unusual geomorphology, makes it an area of important ecological value. Kermes grows at the base of the mountain and deciduous species like the 'rebollo' grow at higher altitudes. Small creeping plants such as juniper and broom grow on the summits and cirques.

There are also important beech forests in the park (some of the most southerly in Europe). Another species in the park which is native to northern climates is the oak (which is rare in Aragon). The slopes of Moncayo (between altitudes of 900 and 1,800 m) are covered by a dense pine afforestation. These include all species of pine typically found on the Iberian Peninsula, such as Scotch pine, Austrian pine, or the highly important black pine. The diversity of environments on Moncayo has, in turn, created a rich and varied fauna.

Birds such as the common lark, the northern wheatear, the Alpine meadow pipit and the Stonechat can be spotted in the highland areas. Other birds in the park include the common sparrow, the red rock and the black redstart. The linnet, bunting, Bonelli's Warbler and the Robin can often be found in the bushes. The latter, along with jays, are the most common bird species in the wooded areas. The robin is also the most abundant bird species in the hardwood forests, where birds like the great tit, the blue tit and the blackbird can also be found.

In the high areas, plenty of birds of prey can be spotted, including vultures, kestrels and royal eagles. Booted eagles and buzzards can be seen in lower areas. Some European honey buzzards, hawks and falcons can be spotted in the forests. Owl song can usually be heard at night and bats can be seen flying in both open and forested areas.

Regarding amphibians and reptiles, the common frog and toad can both be found in humid areas. Marbled and webbed newts and water snakes can also be found in similar areas. The ladder snake and snub-nosed viper have been spotted in other environments.

Wild boar and deer are the most common species of mammals in the park, as well as foxes, martens, genets, wild cats, hedgehogs, and several species of mice, shrews and voles.

The territory of Moncayo has been occupied by humans since ancient times, as it is an area rich in natural resources (e.g. firewood, charcoal, fruit, metals, land for cattle grazing, etc). The area has previously been used for agricultural purposes, livestock grazing, forestry and mining. In more recent years, these uses have subsided as the area has become an increasingly popular tourist destination.