Almost a century has taken this singular vulture to fly over the Picos de Europa mountains. The indiscriminate hunting and the poisons had finished with the lammergeyer in this habitat. But now, although very modestly, they have recovered one of their old territories.
Looking for the survival of the Bearded Vulture
Two specimens have settled on the Asturian slope of the National Park, occupying the rocks of the Cares area. There they have built their nest up to three different sites, according to information from the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ). Is about a couple formed by Deva, a female granted by the Government of Aragon and released in 2010, and Atilano, a specimen from the National Park of Ordesa and Monte Perdido, in Huesca, where he was born in captivity. Atilano is attracted to Deva and seeks the sustenance of the couple, accompanying the griffon vultures that look for dead cattle; he knows that after the feast of the vultures he arrives: all the bones are his. In addition, this couple has observed nuptial behavior with several copulations, which maintains the hope of reproduction.
The program of recovery of the lammergeyer in the Picos de Europa seeks the stable settlement of the species in this area to encourage a continuous exchange of specimens, through the Iberian-Cantabrian corridor, with the Pyrenean population. The forecasts are optimistic, since the risks of yesteryear have been eliminated with the new conception of hunting. In addition, conservation policies give optimal results, as has been happening in the Pyrenees in recent years.
The Center «The Bonebreaker Mountains»
Inspired and camouflaged in the Picos de Europa, this Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development pretends to be something more than a center of interpretation to use. It has been conceived as a meeting and dialogue center, with open doors, in which the study and interest in natural sciences is fostered, promoting and developing initiatives for nature conservation and sustainable development.
The main thread of the exhibition area are these three elements: shepherds, mountains and lammergeiers. It consists of two floors that the visitor can walk freely with an audio guide, or joining a group in the tours of guided tour. The visit begins with a interesting audiovisual that introduces into the geological and biological formation of the Picos de Europa. Throughout the different rooms of the exhibition, the visitor can delve into the biology, ecology and ethology of the bearded vulture and be amazed by the incredible adaptations of living beings to the high mountain, discovering the importance of the shepherds as generators of biodiversity and landscape.
A vertical model of a limestone cut dominates the central area of the exhibition, reproducing on a natural scale 30 species of flora and fauna of the Picos de Europa. The visit ends with an audiovisual presentation that offers an overview of the environmental problems of today, with the consequent ability of man to continue improving their environment and conserve the species that still exist.
The center also has an eco-laboratory in which environmental workshops and a training room can be held to learn about nature in the Picos de Europa and conservation programs, highlighting the Recovery Program of the Bearded Vulture in the Picos de Europa.
The Center is located in an enviable environment, at the gates of the Picos de Europa National Park, and allows you to enjoy mountain landscapes, green areas and playgrounds for children.
Bearded Vulture Center Hours
· Winter time (from September 15 to June 30):
Monday to Friday: from 08:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m.
Weekend closed except for arranged groups. Consult on 985 844 293.
· Summer schedule (from July 1 to September 14) and Easter:
Monday to Sunday: 11:00 a.m. at 15:00 h. and from 16:00 p.m. at 20:00 p.m.
Bearded Vulture Center Rates
General: € 3,00
Reduced: € 2,70
· Groups from 20 people.
· Large family.
Free entrance:
· Children from 0 to 6 years old.
· FCQ partners.
· Free audio guide service.
· Guided tours are held every day during the summer season at 13:00 p.m. and 18:00 h.
· Maximum capacity 25 people. Advance reservation is recommended.
Source: Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development.
Information:
Contact
Center for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development
33.556 Benia de Onís (Asturias) s / n
Tel .: (+ 34) 985 844 293
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
