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Endangered Flora and Fauna
We now have online a downloadable letter that can be sent by yourselves to the British Consul to complain about the bypass and ask the Consul for his help and advice. The more letters that are sent can only help publicise this protest. The letter can be downloaded here.
For a copy of this document in word please click here
To read about this in more detail and see Suzanne Bennett's article on this subject and for a list of endangered species please click here
Many animal and plant species are in danger in Spain. For example The National Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICONA) lists hundreds of Spanish birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that find themselves at various stages of the struggle for survival, and ICONA's list is by no means complete.
The most disturbing name used in the classification of threatened species is "extinct". This designation may or may not mean that the animal in question is 100% extinct, but it does mean that no one has seen such an animal in the wild for over fifty years.
Less frightening than "extinct" is the term "endangered". Even when it is explained that this designation means that the animal will probably die out under present conditions, it doesn't sound so horrible - but it is.
Changes to their habitat such as the proposed Bypass may / will have a dramatic impact on the environment. It is of considerable importance to all of us that any such threatened species in the area of the recommended route for the Bypass be identified and catalogued.
Suzanne Bennett a qualified biologist who lives in the affected area, supported by www.alhaurintoday.com, feels strongly that a project to assess the environmental needs to be implemented NOW – before it is too late. The following are the proposed Terms of reference:
To read Suzanne Bennett's article on this subject and for a list of endangered species please click here
Proposal to designate lower rural area surrounding
Alhaurín el Grande as a ‘Conservation Site’
- Objectives
a. To protect and conserve the habitats specific to this region, and consequently the diverse range of flora and fauna making up this unique ecosystem, which are threatened by habitat destruction.
b. To provide a site for field study to encourage learning and increase awareness of the diverse nature of flora and fauna in the region using practical teaching methods to support the Spanish education curriculum at all levels.
c. To work with institutes of research to monitor populations of species within the area
1. Raise the consciousness of citizenship in a rural area
2. Promote awareness of historical development of the specific local land use
3. Create a positive environment to encourage cross cultural integration
4. Encourage youth awareness and appreciation of the diverse nature of biology
5. Support the Spanish education system and be available as a resource for the active promotion of interest in science
6. Increase awareness of the importance of human / nature interdependence
1. Property owners with land to be part of a consortium in favour of project.
2. To register as non- profit making organisation to manage the operation.
3. To prepare a species list across the site.
4. To set up a conservation club for anyone interested to maintain and restore habitats.
5. To organize short activities for pupils at local schools to take part in.
To apply for registration as a protected site of environmental and educational importance
1. Support from local neighbours to allow access to different types of land of ‘special interest’. (e.g. open field, citrus orchards, avocado orchard, olive groves, hedgerow, river, etc) for:
1.1 species analysis and population studies.
1.2 supervised school visits to carry out activities such as measurements, observing insect populations, plant populations, etc.
Permission will be sought for ‘occupied’ land and, where appropriate, visits will be made by prior arrangement only.
2. Support from local schools to take an active part in the project.
2.1 To allow and arrange for supervised trips for students from primary and secondary schools.
2.2 Co-ordinate these activities so that effective and relevant learning is achieved.
3. Support from Universities to provide expertise and advice.
4. Funding to be sought from ANY source.
5. A team of volunteers to help in conservation activities (e.g. clearing the debris from the River Fahala).
Terms and Definitions
Conservation - To conserve habitat for wild species and prevent their extinction or reduction in range
Habitat - defined as the physical conditions that surround a species, or species population, or assemblage of species.
Habitat destruction is a major factor in causing a species population to decrease, eventually leading to its being endangered, or even to its extinction.
Flora – plant life
Fauna – animal life
Field study – activities such as population studies, species identification, variation studies carried out by participating students
Curriculum – material included in government schemes of education
Research – studies to obtain data that can be used for statistical analysis of populations or other ecological survey.
Anyone wishing to take part in this project and / or who has knowledge of the flora and Fauna in the area designated for the Bypass, please contact:
Email: tim@alhaurintoday.com or Tel: 697 673 455
Miguel Ramon from Alhaurin Today has already done some research and found this information out -
“The pine trees of Alhaurin were planted after the civil war and are regarded as the best in the area and are of great importance. Juniperus oxycedrus is also rare and protected in the area”
