|
The Montgo Nature Reserve |
 |
The
Montgo, situated in the Marina Alta in the North of the Alicante province,
forms one of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire Valencian coastline.
Rising dramatically above the adjacent plains of Ondara - Denia and Javea -
Gata de Gorgos to a height of some 753m above sea level, it dominates the
skyline for miles around.
The mount, which
occupies a 2,117 hectare area, was declared an officially protected nature
reserve in 1987 for its extraordinary wealth of flora, fauna and ecosystems.
|
The imposing
mountain, a visual reference point for any resident or tourist in the area, runs
almost parallel to the coastline, joining the coastal area via a series of
plains that end at El Cabo de San Antonio.
From afar, the
mountain may appear an arid and harsh environment, but this could not be farther
from the truth. Indeed, the Montgo houses a rich and abundant variety of
species and ecosystems, many of which are of extraordinary scientific value.
|
 |
The privileged
location the mountain has permitted humans throughout the ages to use it
continually: as a home, as an area of defence, a hunting ground, as well as an
area of cultivation. Today, remnants of those past are omnipresent.
|
Formation of the Montgo
The Montgo was
formed during the Cretacious period some 70 million years ago, when powerful
platetechtonic processes forced the African and European continental plates
upwards, creating dramatic mountaineous landscapes. Over the next few million
years, strong erosion sculpted it to the shape we see now. Today, impressive
rock formations, caves, cliffs and natual narbours can be observed – a
reflection of the incessant fight between the forces of nature and the mountain.
|
 |
Numerous
archaeological sites and remains confirm the presense of man on the mountain,
with the oldest evidence dating to the Paleolithic period some 30,000 years
ago. During this period, small nomadic groups occupied the caves and hills that
faced the sea in the Cabo de San Antonio. The communities lived a
hunter-gatherer way of life, and were able to survive thanks to rich fishing
grounds, plentiful supply of animals and mild temperatures.
The significant
growth in population during the past three centuries led to more and more areas
being cultivated within Spain, and the Montgo was no exception. At the end of
the 19th century, a high demand for raisins led to the cultivation of
the Moscatel grape on its slopes. Today, these areas have been largely
abandoned due to difficulty in accessability and non-profitability. Yet some
vines, which produce the sweet grape variety, mostly the mistela of the Marina
Alta, as well as some citrus products, are still grown.
Rain is common on the
Montgo, with peak precipitation between September and November. Humid air from
the Mediterranean is forced up towards the summit of the Montgo, where water
condenses and falls as rain. It should not be forgotten, however, that there is
a long period of drought during the summer months.
Flora
The Montgo is a
veritable botanical gem, which houses a wealth of species, aromas, textures,
different forms and colours. If you visit the park during the winter months or
at the beginning of spring, you will not leave disappointed, as species seem to
be competing, showing off their palette of colours that cover the mountain
landscape.
The geology and
climate of the park has allowed more than 650 species to flourish. The primitive
Mediterranean oak, which would have dominated the mountain before
over-exploitation by man, is still present, as is Mount Atlas Pistachio,
rosemary, white hellebore, rock lavender, marine juniper and cistus, among
others. In the higher more humid areas of the Montgo, which are isolated and
inaccessible, a number of endemic plants such as the Hippocrepis Valentina
and the Valencian rock violet have flourished, as well as the blue
Mediterranean fan palm on the plains, the only palm species to grow wild in
Europe, and is indicative of the mild weather of the coastal area. In addition,
the Carduncellus Dianius or ‘Hierba Santa’ as it is known, is unique and
only found here and in Ibiza.
Fauna
The fauna present in
the nature reserve is intimately linked to the unique landscape and vegetation.
The perigrine falcon searches for nooks in the rocks to build its nests, and
eagles, ravens, seagulls and an abundance of other migratory birds are common.
The Royal Owl is perhaps one of the more famous species of fauna to live on the
Montgo, although rabbits, foxes, toads, snakes, badgers and bats are also
common.
|
