ECOLOGICAL RESERVE SAND DUNES OF MARBELLA
Finally we have the fixed dunes, which are inhabited by large-sized woody plants such as the mastic tree, the White Retama monosperma shrub or the wild olive tree. These dunes are ideal habitats for different species of birds such as the European Greenfinch, the Chaffinch and the European Goldfinch and other small animals such as the red-tailed spiny-footed Lizard, the Rabbit, or the European hedgehog. In recent years examples of the Thekla lark (Galerida theklae) have been seen in the area and undoubtedly endangered species such as the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexadrinus) will once again be back to populate the region.
THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF THESE UNIQUE DUNE AREAS ON MARBELLA´S COAST IS EVERYONE´S RESPONSABILITY
One of the threats to these sand dunes is the invasive alien species. These plants come from other continents and have been introduced accidentally to the dunes from the gardens of the adjoining buildings. These plants, characterized by invading and choking the native species to their eradication, will lead to a significant loss of biodiversity. 500.000M2 OF SAND-DUNE SYSTEMS BETWEEN MARBELLA AND THE “NATURE MONUMENT ARTOLA” IN CABOPINO
Under current rules on beaches and dunes areas in the Municipality of Marbella. It is prohibited to : 1. 2. 3. 4.
Organize catered parties Light barbecues Bonfires and “moragas” Fireworks
Tlfn: +34 609 600 706 Mail: asociacion@produnas.org Web: www.produnas.org
Oficina Puerto Deportivo (Virgen del Carmen) Tlfn: 952 768 761 Fax: 952 901 434 Mail: medioambiente@marbella.es
THE DIFFERENT SAND DUNES SYSTEMS IN MARBELLA The different sand dunes systems on the coastal zones of Marbella are remnants of the primeval sand dune cord, which, in the past, extended along the coastal strip of Marbella´s seashore. Together with the sand dunes of Artola (Natural Monument), these are the best preserved dunes in the province of Malaga. In 2015 they were declared Ecological Reserve. They represent a natural enclave within the Mediterranean dune systems, forming a barrier parallel to the coastline. They enjoy a certain degree of mobility, and their vegetation has adapted to sandy substrates. The sand dunes have three different ecosystems with abundant native flora and typical Mediterranean scrub species. They also provide a habitat to colonies of small mammals, reptiles, insects and small wild birds. The first line formed by mobile sand dunes that protect it from erosion caused by the wind and serves as the habitat of species such as Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), and the Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum). These species retain the sands dragged by the wind and enrich with organic matter the soil of the second ecosystem, the semifixed sand dunes. Here is where species such as the Goldilocks (Helichrysum stoechas) appears.
OUTSTANDING FAUNA
SANDERLING (Calidris alba)
COMMON CHAMELEON (Chamaeleo chamaeleon)
GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)
CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs)
COMMON KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)
RED-TAILED SPINY-FOOTED LIZARD (Acanthodactylus erythrurus)
GOLDILOCKS (Helichrysum stoechas)
WHITE RETAMA MONOSPERMA (Retama monosperma)
EUROPEAN MARRAMGRASS (Ammophila arenaria)
CAPITATE GALINGALE (Cyperus capitatus)
PAMPAS GRASS (Cortaderia selloana)
YUCA (Yucca aloifolia)
COOJONG (Acacia saligna)
PRICKLY PEAR (Opuntia ficus-indica)
OUTSTANDING FLORA
SEA HOLLY (Eryngium maritimum)
SEA DAFFODIL (Pancratium maritimum)
INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
HIGHWAY ICE PLANT (Carpobrotus edulis)
CENTURY PLANT (Agave americana)