Muniellos nature reserve
Encyclopedia
The Muniellos nature reserve protects a wooded area in Asturias
, Spain. The area of the nature reserve is 5,488 ha. The main species of tree is oak. In the 1970s timber extraction was forbidden and the woods were preserved as a hunting reserve. Hunting has since also been banned, and human access is now strictly controlled.
Wildlife includes brown bears (Cantabrian brown bear
) and capercaillies (Cantabrian capercaillie
). There is also a population of the rare Kerry slug
.
. The area of the biosphere reserve was extended in 2003 to take account of the creation of the Natural Park of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, which incorporates Muniellos. The core area of the Muniellos biosphere reserve occupies 8,661 ha, making it somewhat larger than the nature reserve. The rest of the natural park is classed as a buffer zone to the core area.
As at 2011 there has been discussion of how the various biosphere reserves in the Cantabrian Mountains
could be managed as a single super-reserve to be known as Gran Cantábrica. The other relevant reserves include Somiedo Natural Park
and Redes Natural Park
, which are also in Asturias. The proposed integration is expected to benefit endangered wildlife such as the Cantabrian brown bear and Cantabrian Capercaillie, by reversing habitat fragmentation
. There are recovery plans in operation for both of these animals as they need to extend their range within the Cantabrian mountains in order to build sustainable populations.
for bird-life under the European Union's Birds Directive
.
Asturias
The Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community of the Kingdom of Spain, coextensive with the former Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages...
, Spain. The area of the nature reserve is 5,488 ha. The main species of tree is oak. In the 1970s timber extraction was forbidden and the woods were preserved as a hunting reserve. Hunting has since also been banned, and human access is now strictly controlled.
Wildlife includes brown bears (Cantabrian brown bear
Cantabrian brown bear
Cantabrian brown bear refers to a population of Eurasian brown bears living in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain. Females weigh, on average, 85kg but can reach a weight of 150kg. Males average 115kg though can weigh as much as 200kg. The bear measures between 1.6 – 2m in length and between 0.90...
) and capercaillies (Cantabrian capercaillie
Cantabrian Capercaillie
The Cantabrian Capercaillie is a subspecies of the Western Capercaillie in the grouse family Tetraonidae.-Description:...
). There is also a population of the rare Kerry slug
Kerry Slug
The Kerry slug or Kerry spotted slug, scientific name Geomalacus maculosus, is a rare species of medium-sized to large air-breathing land slug...
.
Biosphere reserve
In 2000 UNESCO designated Muniellos as a biosphere reserveBiosphere reserve
The Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO was established in 1971 to promote interdisciplinary approaches to management, research and education in ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.-Development:...
. The area of the biosphere reserve was extended in 2003 to take account of the creation of the Natural Park of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, which incorporates Muniellos. The core area of the Muniellos biosphere reserve occupies 8,661 ha, making it somewhat larger than the nature reserve. The rest of the natural park is classed as a buffer zone to the core area.
As at 2011 there has been discussion of how the various biosphere reserves in the Cantabrian Mountains
Cantabrian Mountains
The Cantabrian Mountains or Cantabrian Range are one of the main systems of mountain ranges in Spain.They extend for more than approximately 180 miles across northern Spain, from the western limit of the Pyrenees to the edges of the Galician Massif close to Galicia, along the coast of the...
could be managed as a single super-reserve to be known as Gran Cantábrica. The other relevant reserves include Somiedo Natural Park
Somiedo Natural Park
Somiedo Natural Park is a natural park located in the central area of the Cantabrian Mountains in the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain....
and Redes Natural Park
Redes Natural Park
The Redes Natural Park is located in the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. Its total area is , split between two municipalities: Caso and Sobrescobio . It was declared a natural park in 1996.-Conservation:...
, which are also in Asturias. The proposed integration is expected to benefit endangered wildlife such as the Cantabrian brown bear and Cantabrian Capercaillie, by reversing habitat fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation as the name implies, describes the emergence of discontinuities in an organism's preferred environment , causing population fragmentation...
. There are recovery plans in operation for both of these animals as they need to extend their range within the Cantabrian mountains in order to build sustainable populations.
Special Protection Area
Bosque de Muniellos (Spanish for "Muniellos Wood") is a Special Protection AreaSpecial Protection Area
A Special Protection Area or SPA is a designation under the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.Under the Directive, Member States of the European Union have a duty to safeguard the habitats of migratory birds and certain particularly threatened birds.Together with Special...
for bird-life under the European Union's Birds Directive
Birds Directive
The Birds Directive is a European Union directive adopted in 2009. It replaces Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds which was modified several times and had become very unclear...
.