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BREÑA NATURAL PARK AND THE BARBATE SALT MARSHES
The Breña Natural Park and the Barbate
salt marshes support a diverse landscape which
is difficult to find anywhere else. Situated on
the Atlantic coast within the Cádiz province,
in the districts of Barbate and Vejer de la Frontera,
it has an area of 5077 Hectares. The terrestrial
land area represents 77% (3925 Hectares) of the
total area of the Natural Park, whilst the purely
marine environment covers 23% (1152 Hectares).
The principal ecosystems of the Natural Park are
the marine systems, sea cliffs, pine woods, salt
marshes and dunes.
It has been designated as an area of special protection
for birds (Zona de Especial Protección
para las Aves – Z.E.P.A.) and has been proposed
to be a place of community interest (Lugar de
Interés Comunitario – L.I.C.)
Sea Cliffs
Known locally as 'El Tajo', these cliffs constitute
one of the most emblematic scenic landmarks of
the Natural Park. They have a longitude of 6km
with a maximum drop of close to 100m, and contain
numerous elements of interest, such as the vegetation
shaped and sculpted by the wind, a high diversity
of species, the vertical cliff faces, the reef
under a very clean sea, important colonies of
birds, contrast of ecosystems, the Tajo tower
etc.
There are many species of vegetation found in
this area and together with the omnipresent stone
pine trees, the coastal juniper tree grows predominantly,
accompanied by an internal thicket comprised of
the Mastic tree, Rosemary, Sabine, Lavender, and
Kermes Oak etc. The coastal juniper tree present
in the Breña Natural Park is one of the
most important populations in Andalucia in regards
to size and conservation value, after the existing
one in the Doñana Natural Park.
The Tajo is a magnificent site to observe marine
birds like gannets and shearwaters. Its inaccessibility
and contact with the sea favours the presence
of numerous birds, highlighted by its number of
gulls (Yellow-legged, Black-headed and Audouin's
Gulls...) There are also many birds of prey, main
examples being the Peregrine Falcon and Common
Kestrel, as well as cliff nesting Cattle Egret
and Jackdaw.
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