ONE of Europe's best-preserved woodlands with the most exotic variety of endangered species is just five kilometres from Spain's largest metropolis, according to the organisation Patrimonio Natural ('natural heritage').
A forest in the heart of the El Pardo mountain just a five-minute drive north-west of Madrid, covering a total of 16,000 hectares and surrounded by 90 kilometres of fence is home to such iconic indigenous species as the black swan, imperial eagle, mountain cat and wild boar.
Other fauna which runs wild in the area – of which less than a quarter is open to the public – includes badgers, deer, golden eagles and vultures.
Trees and shrubs typical of Mediterranean countries include holm oak, pistachio trees, pines, laurel, European fan palm and oak.
Although very much land-locked, the El Pardo reserve has huge lakes with sandy 'beaches' and dunes similar to those seen on the coast, home to aquatic birds, and its flora and fauna is much the same as those found in natural parks bordering the Mediterranean sea.
The El Pardo mountain forms part of the Europe-wide Natura 2000 network and is considered an official Special Bird Protection Zone (ZEPA).
According to Patrimonio Natural, the park's 'strong links with the Crown', including being used as a private hunting ground for the Royal family, is one of the facets that has led to its being so well preserved.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com