Paisaje protegido de Las Cumbres, Protected landscape in Gran Canaria, Spain
Paisaje protegido de Las Cumbres is a protected natural area on Gran Canaria spanning about 4,300 hectares across eight municipalities. The landscape is shaped by volcanic formations including Montañón Negro and the Caldera de los Pinos de Gáldar, along with native pine forests and varied plant and animal life.
The protected area was established in 1987 to preserve the natural values and ecological processes of Gran Canaria's highest region. This designation protected the volcanic landscapes and the ecosystems found there from human interference.
This protected land is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, recognized since 2019. The designation reflects how locals and visitors view this area as a place holding deep historical and spiritual value.
Access is possible through several trails that wind through volcanic terrain and bring you close to the plant and animal life of the northern watersheds. Bring proper footwear and enough water, especially at higher elevations where weather can change suddenly.
The area is home to about 777 invertebrate species, including gastropods and arachnids found nowhere else on Earth. These rare creatures make this one of the world's most important places for scientists studying small animals and insects.
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