Flora and Fauna of Los Sabinares del Arlanza - La Yecla.

FAUNA: LIFE AMONG ROCKS AND JUNIPER GROVES

The combination of white juniper forests, the rocky cliffs of La Yecla, and the banks of the Arlanza River creates a mosaic of habitats that is home to iconic species:

• Birds of prey and scavengers:

- Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus): It is the king of the skies in La Yecla, where it nests on the rocky cliffs. Its wingspan of up to 2.5 meters makes it a visual spectacle as it soars on thermal currents.
- Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): Inhabiting the most inaccessible cliffs, it is one of the park’s most iconic birds.
- Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus): Known as the "white vulture," it visits the area in spring and summer to feed on carrion.
- Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo): Its powerful hoot echoes through the canyons at dusk.

• Mammals:

- Pyrenean chamois (Capra pyrenaica): Having been reintroduced to the area, it scales the cliffs with agility.
- Wild boar (Sus scrofa), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and badger (Meles meles): Common in the forests and thickets.
- Otter (Lutra lutra): In the clear stretches of the Arlanza River, where it finds shelter and food.

• Butterflies and other invertebrates:

- Graellsia isabellae: The "Isabella butterfly," an endemic gem of the Iberian mountain ranges, flies at dusk in the nearby pine forests. It is a protected species and a symbol of conservation.
- Saproxylic beetles: They depend on the dead wood of centuries-old junipers, which is key to the ecosystem’s balance.

• Reptiles and amphibians:

- Ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus): The largest in Europe, it inhabits sunny areas.
- Ladder snake (Zamenis scalaris) and snub-nosed viper (Vipera latastei): The latter, shy and venomous, prefers rocky areas.
- Common toad (Bufo spinosus) and marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus): Found in seasonal pools and streams.

FLORA: STRENGTH AND BEAUTY

The park's vegetation is an example of adaptation to a continental climate, with freezing winters and dry summers: 

• Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera):

- The park’s iconic species, it forms open forests with trees over 1,000 years old. Its aromatic and durable wood was historically used in construction and for charcoal production.
- Fun fact: Some junipers have been twisted by the wind and snow, creating almost surreal landscapes. 

• Other tree species:

- Holm oaks (Quercus ilex): In the lower, sheltered areas.
- Gall oaks (Quercus faginea): On cool slopes.
- Maritime pines (Pinus pinaster): Introduced through reforestation efforts, they coexist with native vegetation. 

• Shrubs and aromatic plants:

- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), and lavender (Lavandula latifolia): They colonize poor soils and attract pollinators.
- Junipers (Juniperus communis) and kermes oaks (Quercus coccifera): Typical of the Mediterranean understory. 

• Wild orchids:

- In spring, forest clearings are dotted with species such as Ophrys lutea or Orchis mascula, which take advantage of the seasonal moisture.

• Endemic species and rarities:

- Castilian armeria (Armeria bigerrensis): A small plant adapted to rocky soils.
- Rock daffodil (Narcissus rupicola): It blooms in limestone crevices.