A boost for local wildlife in Malaga

MALAGA appears to be set for its first National Park, according to an announcement by regional Environment Minister Jose Prosecutor on Tuesday May 10.

The future Sierra de las Nieves National Park will extend over 23,000 hectares, also incorporating the Sierra Bermeja and Sierra Blanquilla, a move likely to delight local campaign groups.

Currently categorised as a biosphere reserve, the Sierra de las Nieves is home to the Andalucian endemic Spanish fir tree, or ‘pinsapo,’ which is found only in Malaga and Cadiz provinces, plus the most extensive outcrop of peridotite, a magmatic rock, in Spain.

The proposed extension of the National Park to include the Sierra Bermeja, los Reales and the Sierra Blanquilla will now be presented to mayors of the municipalities within its boundaries, and will later require approval by the Governing Council of the regional authorities. who will also study a second motion to extend the Alcornocales Natural Park in Cadiz and Malaga by 5,887 hectares.