Geology, Flora, Fauna Monchique

Monchique: Geology, Flora, Fauna

The Geology

The town of Monchique (458m.) is located in a pass between the two peaks of Foia (902m.) and Picota (774m.). The two massifs are of volcanic origin (hence the thermal waters in Caldas emerging at 32ºC.), and are made of a rare type of Syenite (a type of granite). Schists predominate in the lower parts.

The Flora

The soil is generally acid in Monchique, and the original vegetation consists of Ulex Minor, Arenaria Montana, Ilex Aquifolium, Arbutus and all sorts of Rhododendrons and heather. A great part of the Chestnut trees and Cork trees which were native to this mountain have unfortunately been replaced in the last decades by extensive plantations of Eucalyptus and Pine trees for quick profit. This short sighted approach is now being slowly reversed.

The Fauna

The Monchique hills are host to several interesting and rare species, which led to the classification of this area as a protected zone under the 'Corine Biotope scheme': For the specialist, here is a list of rare indigenous fauna:

MAMMALS: Mustela putoris Lutra lutra Genetta genetta Herpestes ichneum Felis silvestris Lynx pardina BIRDS: Milvus migrans Circaetus gallicus Hieraaetus pennatus Streptopelia turtur Caprimulgus europaeus Dendrocopus minor Galerida theklae Lullula arborea Anthus campestris Phoenicurus phoenicurus Sylvia undata Sylvia hortensis Ficedula hypoleuca Cyanopica cyana		AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES: Salamandra salamandra Triturus boscai Alytes cisternasii Discoglossus galganoi Pelobates cultripes Bufo bufo Bufo calamita Hyla meridionalis Rana perezi Mauremys leprosa Hemydactylusturcicus Blanus cinereus Lacerta schreiberi Pocarcis bocagei Podarcis hispanica Psammodromus algirus Psammodromus hispanicus Chalcides bedriagai Coluber hippocrepis Elaphe scalaris Macroprotodon cuccullatus Vipera latastei