In the High Atlas of Morocco lies the famous Mount Toubkal, which, at over 4,100 meters in height, is the highest mountain in North Africa. Its proximity to Marrakech and the relative ease of its ascent have led thousands of mountaineers, and even tourists with little or no mountain experience, to visit this region each … Continue reading Valleys of the High Atlas
Graellsia isabelae, the most beautiful lepidopteran in Europe
The Butterfly This is a univoltine butterfly, meaning it has only one generation per year. The Isabelina butterfly (Graellsia isabelae) is a species of diurnal lepidopteran from the Saturniidae family, with a wingspan ranging from 45 mm to 10 cm. It is the only species in the genus Graellsia. Its coloration is predominantly green with … Continue reading Graellsia isabelae, the most beautiful lepidopteran in Europe
Fishing with Juan Delibes
Spring shines green and watery in this small corner that then flows into the Cabrera. Small mountain trout and wolves up there or here beside us, watching us, invisible. The future of many Spanish rivers is uncertain, but today's present, in good company, maintains its minimal and fragile abundance of those few places for serenity … Continue reading Fishing with Juan Delibes
Phenology: Nature’s Calendar Unfolds
In the temperate mid-latitude regions, dominated by deciduous forests, Mediterranean mountains, steppes, and wetlands, a symphony of changes unfolds as the months and seasons pass. The morphology of plants and animals, the composition of species communities in ecosystems, the evolution of agricultural crops, and the physical environment all transform in a dynamic dance. This intricate … Continue reading Phenology: Nature’s Calendar Unfolds
Returning to the River Lobos Canyon
I was 22 years old in 1987. I had just gained the freedom of movement provided by an old and battered second-hand SEAT 124. My first trip was in early autumn, to the Cañón del Río Lobos, near the town of Ucero in the province of Soria. Shortly before, I had achieved one of my … Continue reading Returning to the River Lobos Canyon
Hydrological functioning of limestone karst
Limestone karsts primarily form through the action of slightly acidic water. When rainwater comes into contact with the atmosphere, it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), becoming slightly acidic. As this acidic water falls on the rock's surface, it slowly dissolves the calcium carbonate, forming calcium bicarbonate, which is soluble in water. A limestone karst is distinguished … Continue reading Hydrological functioning of limestone karst
Iberian cyprinids
The current diversity of Iberian ichthyofauna is the result of the functioning of its aquatic ecosystems and the intense human activities that have influenced the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. A high percentage of fish species are native, particularly those of the Cyprinidae family, mainly due to the geographical isolation of the Peninsula and the adaptive … Continue reading Iberian cyprinids
Spring thaw, a natural spectacle full of life
The thawing process in a temperate zone like the Iberian Peninsula takes place during spring and summer, when temperatures rise and the snow accumulated in the mountains begins to melt, filling the watercourses. This process has consequences for rivers, wetlands, aquifers, and the land itself, which becomes more fertile, allowing the spring vegetation explosion with … Continue reading Spring thaw, a natural spectacle full of life
March Morels in the Snow
We find ourselves in the highlands north of Castilla-La Mancha, at over 1,400 meters above sea level. The months of January, February, and March are usually quite dry and cold. Temperatures in the mountains easily plummet below -10°C every night, with days typically clear, almost cloudless, featuring a bright blue sky, and always a biting … Continue reading March Morels in the Snow
The Castro de Ulaca: An Iron Age Stronghold and its Secrets
The area surrounding the Adaja River Valley in the Iberian Peninsula witnessed intense human activity during the Second Iron Age. Among the numerous hill forts that stand out in this region are the Castro de la Mesa de Miranda, the Castro de las Cogotas, the Castro de Sanchorreja, and the impressive Castro de Ulaca. These … Continue reading The Castro de Ulaca: An Iron Age Stronghold and its Secrets










