The Sierra Subbetica Natural Park (official website and maps) is located in the southeast of the province of Cordoba on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, comprising nearly 32,000 hectares of exceptional scenic and ecological value. Part of the Beticas mountain range, the park has some attractive limestone formations.
Flora
The Park has typical Mediterranean vegetation with Holm Oak and Gall Oak woods, Poplars, Black Poplars, Willows, Salt Cedars, Kermes Oak and wild Olive trees.
Shrubs include gorses, hawthorns, peonies, Spurge Flax and Brambles.
Fauna
Mammals include Wild Boar, Spanish Ibex, Stone Marten, Fox, Rabbit, Hedgehog and Wild Cat.
Province: Cordoba
Status: Natural Park – 1989
Size: 32,000 hectares
Birds of prey include the Golden Eagle, Tawny Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Kestrel, Lesser Kestral, Eagle Owl, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle and Imperial Eagle. Other birdlife includes the Alpine Accentor, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Thrush, Dipper, Kingfisher, Aquatic Blackbird and various Warblers.
The park also provides the most southerly habitat of the Cabrera Water Shrew. In addition the Natrix Maura snake and Stripe-Necked Terrapin are found here.