View source for Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

{{Short description|Nature park in Almería Province, Spain}}{{Multiple issues|{{advert|date=March 2019}}
{{too many photos|date=November 2023}}}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Cabo de Gata-Níjar
| iucn_category = V
| photo = Arrecife de las Sirenas.jpg
| photo_caption = Arrecife de las Sirenas
| location = [[Almería (province)|Almería Province]], [[Andalusia]],
[[Spain]]
| nearest_city = [[Almería]]
| map= Spain Andalusia#Spain
| relief = 1
| coordinates = {{coords|36|47|00|N|02|06|00|W|display=inline, title}}
| area = 460 km<sup>2</sup>
| established = 1997
| visitation_num = 500,000
| visitation_year = 1998
| governing_body = [[Junta de Andalucia]]
| embedded = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Salinas del Cabo de Gata
| designation1_date = 5 December 1989
| designation1_number = 448<ref>{{Cite web|title=Salinas del Cabo de Gata|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/448|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
}}
The '''Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Parque natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar'') is a [[Natural park (Spain)|natural park]] located in [[Almería (province)|Almería]], Spain. It is the largest protected coastal area in [[Andalusia]], featuring a rugged landscape. The park is located on the southeastern coast of Spain, the only region in [[Europe]] with a [[hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: BWh).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushby |first=Kevin |date=2017-04-29 |title=Cabo de Gata, Spain: exploring Europe's only desert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/29/cabo-de-gata-desert-almeria-spain-hiking-beaches-hoilday |access-date=2024-04-29 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
The eponymous mountain range of the ''Sierra del Cabo de Gata'' forms a [[volcanic rock]] formation with sharp peaks and crags. The highest peak on this mountain range is [[El Fraile (Sierra del Cabo de Gata)]]. It falls steeply to the [[Mediterranean Sea]], creating jagged {{convert|100|m|adj=on}} high cliffs divided by gullies, creating numerous small coves and white-sand beaches.
There are numerous small rocky islands and coral reefs in the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cabodegataphotography.com/en/cabo-de-gata.html |title=Cabo de Gata Photography: Cabo de Gata |publisher=Martyn Thompson (Cabo de Gata Photography) |year=2012 |access-date=2012-11-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910175314/http://cabodegataphotography.com/en/cabo-de-gata.html |archive-date=2012-09-10 }}</ref> In 1997, it was designated as a [[UNESCO]] [[Biosphere Reserve]]. In 2001, it was included among the [[Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance]]. Due to the [[Adsorption|adsorptive]] properties and low permeability of its clays, the area was studied as a possible place for deep storage of sealed [[radioactive waste]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2006|title=El estudio de arcillas españolas para su utilización como material de sellado en almacenamientos de residuos radiactivos: 20 años de progreso|url=http://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/5499/1/JIGE0606120015A.pdf|journal=Journal of Iberian Geology}}</ref>
== Geography ==
[[Image:Playa-de-monsul.jpg|right|284px|thumb|Volcanic rock-formations at '''[[Playa de Mónsul]]''', possibly the most popular beach.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}]]
[[Image:Playa-de-los-genoveses.jpg|right|284px|thumb|'''Playa de los Genoveses''' is the second most popular beach and within walking distance of the pueblo of San José]]
[[Image:Playa-de-san-miguel.jpg|right|284px|thumb|'''Playa de San Miguel''' The church shown here has a curious history and the old abandoned fishing boats are left as a type of "living museum"]]
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is characterized by [[volcanic rock]] formations as well as [[lava flows]], volcanic domes, and volcanic [[caldera]]s. The park joined UNESCO's [[Global Geoparks Network]] in 2006, and it is also a member of the [[European Geoparks Network]].<ref>[http://www.europeangeoparks.org/isite/page/124,1,0.asp? European geoparks website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530220441/http://www.europeangeoparks.org/isite/page/124%2C1%2C0.asp |date=2009-05-30 }}</ref>
Between the village of San Miguel and the Cabo de Gata point are salt flats (''Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata'') separated from the sea by a {{convert|400|m|abbr=on|adj=on}} sand bar. The salt flats are a [[Ramsar site]].
The coast of the natural park has seagrass beds of the genus ''[[Posidonia]]'' and offshore [[coral reef]]s which host resident and transient marine species. A {{convert|120|km2|abbr=on|adj=on}} part of the total designated protected area is a [[marine reserve]], extending underwater to a depth of {{convert|60|m|abbr=on}}.
The characteristic vegetation in the terrestrial zone is a drought-adapted flora: large agave, prickly pear, dwarf fan palms, and many [[xerophyte]]s (some of which are [[Endemism|endemic]]).
==Climate==
Cabo de gata experiences a [[Desert climate|hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BWh'') with warm temperatures year-round due to maritime influence. Winters are extremely mild by european standards and has some of the warmest winters in Europe. The annual average temperature is approximately {{Convert|19.8|C|F}}, and the average annual rainfall is around 156 mm (6.1 in), recorded at the Faro del Cabo de Gata (36°43'18.8"N, 2°11'34.69"W) during the period 1961–1990. It is the driest region in [[Europe]] as well as the driest in Spain, excluding the Canary Islands.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushby |first=Kevin |date=2017-04-29 |title=Cabo de Gata, Spain: exploring Europe's only desert |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/apr/29/cabo-de-gata-desert-almeria-spain-hiking-beaches-hoilday |access-date=2024-04-29 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/149857/cabo-de-gata-nijar-natural-park|title=Cabo de Gata Nijar|publisher=earthobservatory|language=en|accessdate=15 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aemet.es/es/serviciosclimaticos/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos|title=Valores climatológicos normales|publisher=[[AEMET]]|language=es|accessdate=15 August 2024}}</ref> In recent years, the annual average precipitation has been less than {{Convert|150|mm|in}}. During the summer, [[tropical night|tropical nights]] are very common and, on average, Cabo de Gata has 119 tropical nights per year.
{{Weather box
| location = Cabo de Gata (2010-2023), extremes (2010-present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 22.2
| Feb record high C = 23.1
| Mar record high C = 25.9
| Apr record high C = 29.9
| May record high C = 31.5
| Jun record high C = 35.4
| Jul record high C = 37.6
| Aug record high C = 37.5
| Sep record high C = 35.8
| Oct record high C = 30.2
| Nov record high C = 27.2
| Dec record high C = 24.7
| year record high C =
| Jan high C = 16.7
| Feb high C = 16.9
| Mar high C = 18.0
| Apr high C = 19.8
| May high C = 22.8
| Jun high C = 26.0
| Jul high C = 28.8
| Aug high C = 29.4
| Sep high C = 27.2
| Oct high C = 24.0
| Nov high C = 19.8
| Dec high C = 17.8
| year high C =
| Jan mean C = 14.3
| Feb mean C = 14.5
| Mar mean C = 15.6
| Apr mean C = 17.4
| May mean C = 20.2
| Jun mean C = 23.3
| Jul mean C = 26.2
| Aug mean C = 26.9
| Sep mean C = 24.8
| Oct mean C = 21.6
| Nov mean C = 17.4
| Dec mean C = 15.5
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 12.0
| Feb low C = 12.1
| Mar low C = 13.2
| Apr low C = 15.0
| May low C = 17.5
| Jun low C = 20.6
| Jul low C = 23.6
| Aug low C = 24.5
| Sep low C = 22.3
| Oct low C = 19.2
| Nov low C = 15.0
| Dec low C = 13.2
| year low C =
| Jan record low C = 4.8
| Feb record low C = 3.4
| Mar record low C = 5.0
| Apr record low C = 9.7
| May record low C = 12.0
| Jun record low C = 15.7
| Jul record low C = 17.9
| Aug record low C = 18.2
| Sep record low C = 16.2
| Oct record low C = 11.8
| Nov record low C = 9.4
| Dec record low C = 7.5
| year record low C =
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 17.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 11.0
| Mar precipitation mm = 27.0
| Apr precipitation mm = 10.8
| May precipitation mm = 11.4
| Jun precipitation mm = 1.7
| Jul precipitation mm = 0.1
| Aug precipitation mm = 6.1
| Sep precipitation mm = 9.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 13.3
| Nov precipitation mm = 15.7
| Dec precipitation mm = 18.7
| source 1 = [[Agencia Estatal de Meteorología]] (AEMET OpenData)<ref name="AEMET">{{cite web|title=AEMET OpenData|url=https://opendata.aemet.es/centrodedescargas/inicio|publisher=[[AEMET]]|access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref>
| date = August 2023
| source =
}}
==Human impact on the park==
[[Image:Hotel Algarrobico Gata Nijar.jpg|right|284px|thumb|The unfinished Algarrobico hotel, which has been in the park since 2003]]
Historically, the area has been sparsely populated due to the difficult agricultural circumstances and its remote location, which has kept it largely unspoiled—an uncommon occurrence on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. In 1997, 3,500 people were recorded as living within the boundaries{{cn|date=October 2023}}. The [[natural park (Spain)|natural park]] protection has now received promises to keep the residential expansion under control. Dotted around the natural park are abandoned areas like the farms, houses, factories, and sometimes, whole villages dating back to various periods in time{{cn|date=October 2023}}. The exact reasons for the abandonment are not clear, but it is thought {{by whom|date=October 2023}} that the harsh conditions for agriculture together with questionable permissions to build and the prevailing economic climate at the time might be major factors. This is something that continues to this day with perhaps the most infamous example being the Algarrobico{{cn|date=October 2023}}.
In 2003, a hotel project was started at Playa del Algarrobico between Carboneras and Mojacar, just inside the park. Work on the project was halted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theolivepress.es/2007/08/09/algarrobico-the-never-ending-story/|title=Algarrobico the never ending story}}</ref> Several sources claim that this project is an illegal development, although it seems that more recently demolition plans, opposed by 14 municipalities, are moving closer.<ref>{{cite web |title=14 Almería villages against the demolition of the El Algarrobico Hotel |url=http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_34573.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510060148/http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_34573.shtml |archive-date=2012-05-10}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2012/07/26/algarrobico-hotel-approaches-demolition/|title=Algarrobico hotel approaches demolition|publisher=The Olive Press|date=2012-07-26|access-date=2012-11-26}}</ref> In 2021, the highest regional court of Andalusia ruled that the hotel did not have to be destroyed because the real estate developer had a valid building license.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Minder |first1=Raphael |title=Haunting the Coast of Spain: The Ghost Hotel of Algarrobico |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/29/travel/spain-abandoned-hotel.html |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=29 December 2021}}</ref>
Many of the abandoned neighborhoods and buildings still stand because they are deemed to be significant historical landmarks. Examples of this are the deserted mining villages around Rodalquilar.<ref name="After the Goldrush">{{cite web|url=http://cabodegataphotography.wordpress.com/2012/06/17/after-the-goldrush/|title=After the Goldrush |publisher=Martyn Thompson (Cabo de Gata Photography) |date=2012-06-17 |access-date=2012-11-26}}</ref> Another example is Cortijo del Fraile. There have been moves to restore it, but as yet, nothing has happened except a few efforts to raise money.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2012/02/07/nijar-town-hall-joins-with-owners-of-cortijo-del-fraile-to-save-farmhouse-which-inspired-lorcas-blood-wedding/|title=Nijar town hall joins with owners of Cortijo del Fraile to save farmhouse which inspired Lorca's Blood Wedding |publisher=The Olive Press|date=2012-02-07 |access-date=2012-11-26}}</ref>
==Tourism==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata, with visitors coming mainly during the spring and summer months. In 1998, 500,000 tourists visited the area. The number of visitors has declined as of 2011/2012 due to economic conditions across Europe.
Eco-tourism has become more and more popular in recent years. The park offers diving and boat tours, as well as environmentally responsible outdoor activities including bird watching, photography, and field trips for geology. There are a number of arts and crafts based on local traditions that are still carried out around the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata and especially in the little Moorish "pueblo blanco" of [[Níjar]]. The traditional arts and crafts include ceramics, pottery, carpet making and woven goods (baskets, hats, shoes, etc.) made from [[Esparto|esparto grass]].
There also has been an increase in the number of health retreats, which offer holistic therapies, meditation, and yoga.
While the hiking network is not extensive, there are a number of senderos that provide for day hikes. The Caldera de Majada Redonda is one such trail that leads to the center of an ancient volcano caldera.
== Towns ==
There are some small towns in the Cabo de Gata area.
===Agua Amarga===
Translated from the Spanish, [[Agua Amarga]] literally means "bitter water". This name dates back to when trains used to bring minerals from the mines in the Sierra Alhamilla and chemicals used in the mining process would taint the wells in the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faydon.com/Lucainena/Lucainena.html|title=The Lucainena to Agua Amarga line |publisher=Don Gaunt|access-date=2012-11-26}}</ref>
===Cabo de Gata===
[[File:Las-salinas-de-cabo-de-gata-iglesia-de-san-miguel.PNG|right|284px|thumb|'''Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata''']]The strip of beach known as Playa de San Miguel and the adjacent road stretches from the small village of Cabo de Gata to La Fabriquilla before ascending a tiny mountain pass toward the [http://wikimapia.org/8399695/es/Arrecife-De-Las-Sirenas Arrecife de las Sirenas] and the beaches beyond. This coastal strip is generally known as Cabo de Gata although it comprises several little smaller villages (pueblitos) including Cabo de Gata, Almadraba de Monteleva, and La Fabriquila. At Almadraba de Monteleva are the salt works that are still operational, next to the salt works are the ram-shackled and salt-blasted houses of former workers, some of which are still occupied. Opposite these houses is the church of San Miguel. Behind the salt works are the lagoons known as ''Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata''. Cabo de Gata has a tradition of fishing, which continues to this day, and there are several old fishing boats that have been left along the Playa de San Miguel as artifacts of days gone by. These are said to have an important ethnological value and are left as a "living museum"{{by whom|date=October 2023}}.
===Carboneras===
The pueblo of [[Carboneras]] is located near the easternmost border of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata.
Located just a little out-of-town and en route to Agua Amarga, is the [[Nude beach|naturist beach]] of Playa de los Muertos (the Beach of the Dead). Carboneras is also known as a town of live music{{by whom|date=October 2023}} due to the Teatro de Musica and several other smaller venues hosting live music all year round. At its western edge it has an industrial area that combines a power station, a large cement plant, one of Europe's largest desalination ([[Reverse osmosis plant|reverse-osmosis]]) plants, and a port, all of which pre-date the national park{{cn|date=October 2023}}. The power station has been used for [[Carbon capture and storage|carbon capture]] research{{cn|date=October 2023}}.
===Las Negras===
Las Negras is a seaside village towards the eastern end of the natural park and just to the west of Agua Amarga.
===Los Albaricoques===
[[Los Albaricoques]] is the pueblo of Agua Caliente in the seminal films of [[Sergio Leone]]. The final shootout in the [[spaghetti Western]] film [[For a few dollars more|''For a Few Dollars More'']] took place in the centre of Los Albaricoques{{cn|date=October 2023}}. There is only one shop and two bars in Los Albaricoques. Not far from the pueblo of Los Albaricoques is the infamous Cortijo del Fraile, the backdrop for Federico Garcia Lorca's seminal play, ''[[Bodas de Sangre]]'' (Blood Wedding), which features a crime of passion that took place close by{{cn|date=October 2023}}.
===Níjar===
[[Níjar]] is located inland and on the northern edge of the natural park. Níjar hosts processions on [[Holy Week|Semana Santa (Holy Week)]]. In the bigger towns and cities around Spain, these processions are quite lavish including at times some very intricate animatronics but in smaller towns, such as in Níjar, they are much more "earthy" affairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cabodegataphotography.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/semana-santa/|title=Semana Santa |publisher=Martyn Thompson (Cabo de Gata Photography) |date=2012-04-07 |access-date=2012-11-26}}</ref>
===Rodalquilar===
[[Image:Playa-el-playazo.jpg|right|284px|thumb|'''Playa el Playazo-'''One of the more popular beaches near the pueblo of Rodalquilar]]The pueblo of Rodalquilar sits in the middle of the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. There are several art galleries featuring painting, photography, pottery, and ceramics. Rodalaquilar is known in the province of Almería for ancient gold mines.<ref name="After the Goldrush"/> One of the more popular beaches near Rodalquilar is Playa el Playazo. This beach is 400 meters long and 30 meters wide, and its sand is golden and fine.<ref name="cabogataalmeria">{{cite web |title=El Playazo Beach |url=https://www.cabogataalmeria.com/en/Gata-Nature-Reserve/beach/Playazo-Beach-Spain-Rodalquilar.html |website=Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve |access-date=6 November 2020}}</ref>
In common with many of the beaches in the middle and toward the western end of the natural park, the sea offers good visibility for snorkeling or diving.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}. El Playazo is encircled by a mountain and Saint Ramon's Castle. This Castle was built in the 18th century so that the coast of [[Almería]] could defend itself from sea attacks.<ref name="cabogataalmeria" />
Rodalquilar was the townsite for the Rodalquilar Gold Mine, which operated intermittently from Roman times to the mid-1960s. The new mineral [[Rodalquilarite]] was discovered there. <ref>[https://www.andalucia.com/province/almeria/rodalquilar/gold-mines Rodalquilar - Gold Mines ]</ref> The abandoned mine workings were used for a post-apocalyptic film set <ref>[https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rodalquilar-gold-mine][[Atlas Obscura]]<span> article.</span> </ref>
===San José===
[[Image:San-jose-from-campillo-de-los-genoveses.jpg|right|284px|thumb|The pueblo of '''[[San José (Almeria)|San José]]''']] San José is a small fishing port in the centre of the natural park and is accessible from [[Almería Airport]] and the [[Autovia A-7]]. It is most popular during the spring and summer months, because of the activities that the beaches of San José can offer such as snorkel or swimming.<ref>{{cite web |title=Las playas y calas más paradisiacas de Cabo de Gata |url=https://www.vipealo.com/blog/las-playas-y-calas-mas-paradisiacas-de-cabo-de-gata/ |website=Vipealo |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> The local tourist office offers a reference point for activities in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata.
===Various other===
There are several smaller towns and villages in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata, for example, Campohermoso, Fernán Pérez, [[Isleta del Moro]], [[Los Escullos]], Pozo de los Frailes, and San Isidro.
==Flora==
[[Image:Chamaerops humilis (Zingaro)015.jpg|right|284px|thumb|The [[European fan palm]] (''Chamaerops humilis'') is the first symbol of the park.]]
[[Image:agave-pita-plant.jpg|right|284px|thumb|The [[Agave americana|Agave (Pita)]] is another symbol of the natural park, if not the whole of the province of Almería.]]
[[Image:Antirrhinum charidemi.jpg|right|284px|thumb|The pink [[Antirrhinum|snapdragon]] (''Antirrhinum charidemi'') is another symbol of the natural park]]
There are more than 1,000 plants recorded in the reserve, some of which are [[endemism|endemic]] to the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata and have become symbols of the natural park. The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata presents special weather conditions, which permit the plants to take advantage of the rain{{explain|date=October 2023}}. These plants are very diverse, surviving the weather and adapting to the characteristics of the ground.<ref>{{cite web |title=Flora Terrestre |url=https://myalmeria.com/cabo-de-gata/info/118-flora-terrestre |website=myalmeria |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref>
===European fan palm===
The [[Chamaerops|European fan palm (''Chamaerops humilis'')]] is a shrub-like clumping palm, with several stems growing from a single base. It is the only palm species native to continental Europe and is mainly found in southwestern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, and certain locations on the Mediterranean coast of France) and northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia). Europe's only native palm supplements the meagre [[groundwater]] supplies with [[dew]] and airborne moisture.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
===''Agave americana'' (Pita)===
One of the most familiar plant species in the natural park is [[Agave|''Agave americana'']], or ''pita'', a native of tropical America and Mexico. Common names include century plant, maguey (in Mexico), or American aloe (it is not, however, closely related to the genus Aloe). The name "century plant" refers to the long time the plant takes to flower. The number of years before flowering occurs depends on the vigor of the individual plant, the richness of the soil, and the climate; during these years the plant is storing in its fleshy leaves the nutrients required for the effort of flowering.{{cn|date=October 2023}}
===Dragoncillo del Cabo===
Some of the plants endemic to the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata include the pink [[Antirrhinum|snapdragon]] (''Antirrhinum charidemi''), known to the locals as the ''Dragoncillo del Cabo''. This endemic plant is called the ''Dragoncillo del Cabo'' because its flowers are pink with dark veins. It grows in rock cracks, rocky slopes, and volcanic slopes near the sea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Botánica e historia |url=https://www.cabodegata.net/esecotsk.html |website=Amigos del Parque Natural Cabo de Gata - Níjar |access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref>
===Other plants===
Iberia's largest population of [[jujube]] (''Ziziphus zizyphus''), a thorny shrub, populates the [[steppe]] and is known locally as Azofeifa. The scrubland is composed of [[olive|olive tree]]s (''Olea europaea''), mastic (''Pistacia lentiscus''), [[Kermes oak]]s (''Quercus coccifera''), [[esparto grass]] (''Stipa tenacissima''), [[thyme]] (''Thymus''), and [[rosemary]] (''Rosmarinus officinalis'').
Around the salt flats are colonies of [[saltwort]], [[common reed]]s (''Phragmites australis''), and [[Salicornia|glasswort]] (''Salicornia fruticosa''). In the coastal waters are extensive beds of [[seagrass]] (''[[Posidonia|Posidonia oceanica]]''), which is endemic to the Mediterranean, and 260 species of [[seaweed]].
==Fauna==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
[[Image:Flamingo.greater.flaps.750pix.jpg|right|284px|thumb|Thousands of greater flamingos can be seen on the salt flats near the headland]]
[[Image:Flughahn.jpg|thumb|284px|right|[[Flying gurnard]] (''Dactylopterus volitans'')]]
1,100 species of fauna have been recorded within the park, the majority of which are birds. The European Union has designated a [[Special Protection Area]] for bird life. The salt flats provide an important habitat for both the resident birds and the thousands of migrating birds who stop on their journey between Europe and Africa. Species found around the salt flats include [[greater flamingo|flamingo]]s (''Phoenicopterus roseus''); [[grey heron|grey]] (''Ardea cinerea''); [[purple heron]]s (''Ardea purpurea''); [[stork]]s; [[crane (bird)|crane]]s; waders including [[avocet]]s and [[oystercatcher]]s; and overwintering [[duck]]s.
Many species of [[lark]] live on the steppe, including the rare [[Dupont's lark]] (''Chersophilus duponti''). Also present are [[little bustard]]s (''Tetrax tetrax'') and [[stone curlew]]s (''Burhinus oedicnemus''). Sea birds include [[yellow-legged gull]]s (''Larus michahellis''), [[tern]]s, [[razorbill]]s (''Alca torda''), [[Cormorant|shag]]s, the occasional [[Atlantic puffin|puffin]] (''Fratercula arctica'') or [[Cory's shearwater]] (''Calonectris diomedea''), and [[Balearic shearwater]]s (''Puffinus mauretanicus''). The wealth of animal life provides prey for several [[Bird of prey|raptor]]s: [[osprey]]s (''Pandion haliaetus''), [[peregrine falcon]]s (''Falco peregrinus''), [[Common kestrel|kestrel]]s (''Falco tinnunculus''), and [[eagle]]s.
Approximately 15 species of reptile are found in the park, including [[Italian wall lizard]]s (''Podarcis sicula''), [[ocellated lizard]]s (''Timon lepidus''), [[grass snake]]s (''Natrix natrix''), and [[Lataste's viper]] (''Vipera latastei'').
The maritime reserve is home to various species of [[crustacean]]s, [[mollusc]]s, and [[fishes]] including the [[common cuttlefish]] (''Sepia officinalis''), the ''[[Pinna nobilis]]'' clam (which produces [[sea silk]]), the [[Mediterranean moray]] (''Muraena helena''), which was regarded as a delicacy by the Romans, the [[garfish]] (''Belone belone''), and the [[flying gurnard]] (''Dactylopterus volitans''), which uses its enlarged [[pectoral fin]]s to "walk" along the ocean floor. Seaweeds host fish such as [[bream]] and [[grouper]].
Among the mammals in the park are [[common genet]]s (''Genetta genetta''), [[wild boar]] (''Sus scrofa''), the [[garden dormouse]] (''Eliomys quercinus''), and the [[least weasel]] (''Mustela nivalis''), which is the smallest terrestrial mammalian carnivore. The [[seagrass]] used to provide a habitat for the endangered [[Mediterranean monk seal|monk seal]] (''Monachus monachus''). Up until the 1960s it was one of the last locations where this seal bred in Spain, the islet of [[Tabarca]] being the other one. Although occasionally sighted offshore, no seals have bred in the park since 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mma.es/secciones/biodiversidad/especies_amenazadas/vertebrados/libro_rojo_vert/pdf/FOCA_MONJE.pdf
|title=Monachus Monachus|publisher=[[Ministerio de Medio Ambiente]] (Ministry of the Environment)|year=2006|access-date=23 November 2006|language=es}}
</ref>
==Media==
Notable films have been filmed in the natural park, at the [[Playa de Mónsul]], such as ''[[Antony and Cleopatra (1972 film)|Antony and Cleopatra]]'' (1972), ''[[The NeverEnding Story (film)|The NeverEnding Story]]'' (1984), ''[[The Adventures of Baron Munchausen]]'' (1988), ''[[Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade]]'' (1989), and ''[[Talk to Her]]'' (2002).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/almeria-beaches-cinema/|title=Almería: picturesque beaches and awesome plans |publisher=Spain-Info.en|access-date=2021-11-12}}</ref>
British band [[Jamiroquai]] filmed the video for their 1996 single "[[Cosmic Girl (song)|Cosmic Girl]]" in the natural park.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://archive.euroweeklynews.com/news/on-euro-weekly-news/costa-de-almeria/143435-space-cowboy-returns-to-almeria|title=Space cowboy returns to Almeria|last=Hawkins|first=Eleanor|access-date=2018-09-11|language=en-gb}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[European Geoparks Network]]
*[[Global Geoparks Network]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park}}
*{{cite web|url=https://www.degata.com/en/index.html| title=Guide to the visitor in Cabo de Gata Natural Park. Almeria. Spain|publisher=Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park|access-date=30 December 2021}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/cabodegata.htm|title=Natural Parks - Almeria Province: Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park|author=Jo Williams|publisher=Andalucia.com|access-date=20 November 2006}}
*{{cite journal|author1=Nicolas B. Langlade |author2=Xianzhong Feng |author3=Tracy Dransfield |author4=Lucy Copsey |author5=Andrew I. Hanna |author6=Christophe Thébaud |author7=Andrew Bangham |author8=Andrew Hudson |author9=Enrico Coen |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA|volume=102|issue=21|date=2005-07-11|pages=21–26|title=Evolution through genetically controlled allometry space|pmid=16009935|doi=10.1073/pnas.0504210102|pmc=1177394|bibcode=2005PNAS..10210221L |doi-access=free }}
*{{cite web|url=https://spainlikealocal.es/cala-de-san-pedro-hippies| title=Cala de San Pedro. The unique hippie beach in Spain|publisher=Decadenzia|access-date=14 April 2022}}
{{Deserts}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cabo De Gata-Nijar Natural Park}}
[[Category:Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park| ]]
[[Category:Geography of the Province of Almería]]
[[Category:Deserts of Spain]]
[[Category:Deserts of Europe]]
[[Category:Global Geoparks Network members]]
[[Category:Marine reserves of Spain]]
[[Category:Natural parks of Spain]]
[[Category:Natural parks of Andalusia]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in Spain]]
[[Category:Special Protection Areas of Spain]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1997]]
[[Category:Geoparks in Spain]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of Spain]]
[[Category:Miocene volcanoes]]