LEON UNESCO

STAR PARK

7 UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES

start

2 natural parks

LEÓN

babia

1 STAR PARK

1 NATURAL PARK

1 NATIONAL PARK

BABIA Y LUNA

LOS ARGÜELLOS

PICOS DE EUROPA

PICOS DE EUROPA

valles de laciana

ancares

alto bernesga

omaña-luna

babia

7 UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES

The biological diversity of Babia is apparent in the quantity of interesting endemic species of flora and fauna to be found n the territory. It harbours unique species of fauna, among which mention can be made of the endangered Cantabrian Brown Bear

Babia.

Grey Partridge can be found aswell as the Wolf and large populations of Trout, with very specific characteristics adapted to mountain water courses.

The zone has considerable and interesting flora, with numerous species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It conserves samples of deciduous and marcescent forests in excellent condition.

Omaña y Luna

The wealth and biodiversity in the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve is exceptional because of its bio geographic allocation in the transition areas between dry Spain and humid Spain. In terms of fauna, special mention should be made of the bird life, with some endangered species such as the Red Kite, the Egyptian Vulture and the Golden Eagle. The reserve is also of great paleontological value due to the Devonian seafloor fossil sites.

ALTO BERNESGA

The major ecosystem types in the biosphere reserve are Atlantic mountains. Other habitat types include heathlands, meadows and bush lands. Characteristic flora species are Scots pine and Sweet chestnut. Moreover, coniferous and deciduous forests can be found throughout the reserve depending on the location, the mountain level and the influences of the Atlantic and Mediterranean climate.Brown bear can also be seen in this reserve.

The reserve is named after the major river Ancares which flows through the area.

LOS ANCARES

Los Argüellos is an example of a Cantabrian mountain ecosystem where for centuries the population has made wise use of the scant resources, thus shaping a unique landscape.

Los Argüellos is located in the northern centre of the León Province. The region has interesting geomorphological characteristics with numerous caves such as Valporquero, Llamazares and Barredo.

LOS ARGÜELLOS

The Valley of Laciana is located near the headwaters of the River Sil in the Cantabrian Cordillera, to the north of the Province of Leon, bordering with Asturias. The area has awide range of altitudes, with the consequent wealth of landscape and valuable habitats. The mountain grasslands have traditionally been used by the transhumant sheep flocksfrom Extremadura and cattle for the Asturian “Nomadic cowherds” (vaqueiros de alzada). Capercaillie interpretation center is located here.

LACIANA

This area was set up as a National Park in 1918 due to its relatively undisturbed natural ecosystems with habitats such as low coastal Atlantic forest, abundant beech forest and oak forests.The area is home to some endangered species, like brown bears, wolfs, and capercaillies.

PICOS DE EUROPA

Starlight Stellar Parks are a simple, permanent infrastructure installed in areas with a clear, dark sky. They allow leisure activities related to the contemplation of the stars and astronomical observation.

BABIA STAR PARK

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