Reserva natural integral del Pijaral, Nature reserve in Anaga Mountains, Tenerife, Spain.
The Reserva natural integral del Pijaral is a protected area covering around 300 hectares of steep slopes and deep ravines in the Anaga Mountains. The terrain consists mainly of dense laurel forest covering the hillsides.
The protected area was established in 1994 by the Spanish government to preserve one of the last remaining sections of ancient laurel forest. The protection status was necessary to safeguard this rare woodland formation from further loss.
The reserve's name comes from the píjara fern, a plant that grows throughout the forest and reaches several meters high. These ferns shape the woodland character and reveal the special nature of this place.
Access is limited and visitors must obtain advance permission through the TenerifeOn portal, as only 45 people per day are allowed. The reserve can only be visited via regulated hiking trails, so it is important to check ahead and book in advance.
The reserve is home to more than 100 animal species found only on this island, some of which exist nowhere else on Earth. This isolation has led to the development of organisms that are absolutely distinct to this place.
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