Sierra de Castril

Sierra de Castril
Sierra de Castril

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Area 9 is the Sierra de Castril
The Natural Park of Sierra de Castril (official website and maps), part of the Sierra Betica mountain range, is a limestone massif in the Granada Province. The western boundary borders the Natural Park of Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas (10) in Jaen Province. The altitude varies between 855 and 2138 metres with spectacular scenery including caves and cliffs shaped by water erosion.

The Castril River flows from the north to south of the park added to which there are many natural springs, streams and waterfalls. The Cueva de Don Fernando, at 2.5 kilometres in length and dropping to 241 metres below sea level, is Granada’s largest cave and the second largest in Andalucia.

Flora
Trees include Poplar, Willow, Ash, Wild Cherry, Black Pines reaching 40 metres, Holm and Gall Oaks, Yews, Scots Pine, Aleppo Pine and Austrian Pine. Undergrowth and shrubs include Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary, Broom, Gorse and Thyme.

Province: Granada
Status: Natural Park – 1989
Size: 12,300 hectares

Fauna
Mammals found include numerous Spanish Ibex, Wild Boar, Fallow Deer, Stone Marten and Wild Cat.

Birds of prey include Short-toed, Golden and Booted eagles, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Peregrines and Black Kites.

By the rivers The rivers Trout, Otter, Grey Heron, Kingfisher and Dippers can be seen. Reptiles include localized Valverde Lizard, Painted frogs, Southern midwife toads, Lataste’s Vipers, Salamanders and Grass snakes.

Sierra de Castril
Sierra de Castril