Fundación Gypaetus within II Ideas for the Conservation of Endangered Species in Andalusia, has awarded the third prize to the project named 'pinsapo green corridor' by Ecologists in Action-Málaga .

The mountain ranges of Sierra Oreganal-Sierra de los Castillejos, which separates the plateau of Round Valley Genal fulfills the role of ecological corridor for flora and fauna of the Natural Parks Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves. Highlights the fact that it may be the first ecological corridor that described for plants, since in all cases only consulted are taken into account when considering the animals and plants to become more like the habitat of animals as actors of the corridor .

Analyzing the distribution of pinsapo we can see that there are two main populations: one is located in the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and the other in the Natural Park Sierra de las Nieves. This distribution is difficult to explain if it is only through the mountain ranges that connect the two spaces.

As with pinsapo, there are many other species with a similar distribution. This is for a total of 11 plant species protected under Law 8 / 2003 of October 28, of Wild Flora and Fauna of Andalucía, 13 endemic to the Serrania de Ronda and 37 threatened species under the IUCN Red List of vascular flora Andalusia. This is the case (Sorbus aria), the Atropa baetica, maple (Acer monspessulanum), the fern Asplenium petrarchae bivalens, bell rondeña (Campanuda speculariodes, etc.). Some of these species are found within the ecological corridor.

Thus, pinsapo represents an 'umbrella species', ie through the conservation of this species ensures the protection of all the other living. Pinsapo is currently absent from this ecological corridor, although there are some plants that indicate their possible previously. In addition, the Spanish fir is a species that is currently expanding with the colonization of this area would be possible in a natural way.

In the case of wildlife, the summits of these hills represent an ecological corridor for species such as ibex, or the Red-billed Chough piquituerto. In addition are other species like the golden eagle, the griffon vulture, toed eagle, the booted eagle, Bonelli's eagle, the eagle owl. Carnivorous mammals such as mongoose, genet, fox, badger, weasel, bobcat, marten, polecat, ungulates such as roe deer, deer and wild boar. Among the reptiles out the snake and lizard Ocellated hocicuda. Among amphibians the salamander, the newt and toad pygmy pintojo south.

This project also proposes the restoration of the forest area, hard hit by the hand of man by creating microrreservas through groups volunteers. This should not affect the livestock of the area and contribute to forest restoration and environmental education. Another proposal is to create a walking path and an interpretive sign to contribute to sustainable development.

However, several projects planned that threaten ecological connectivity, such as motorway Ronda-Costa del Sol or more projects quarries in the municipalities of Alpandeire, Júzcar, and Cartajima Parauta. The area proposed as ecological corridor is outside the legal protection of natural parks, and is not classified as Sites of Community Interest, but is within the future Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve.

Source: Fundación Gypaetus