UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Picos de Europa
General information
 The Picos de Europa Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 64,660 hectares and represents some of the highest montane systems of the large Gran Cantabrica range.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2003
Country
Spain
Total population
1367
Area
Surface
64,315.00 ha
Total terresterial area
64,315.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 43.1972 - Longitude: -4.87949
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
This area was set up as a National Park in 1918 due to its relatively undisturbed natural ecosystems with habitats such as low coastal Atlantic forest, abundant beech forest (Fagus sylvatica), oak woods with Quercus robur, Quercus patraea, Quercus pyrenaica, as well as small relict sclerophyllous and sub-sclerophyllous forests.The area is home to some endangered specieis, like the Ursus arctos, Canis lupus signatus and Tetrao urogallus.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Traditional land uses and activities such as extensive cattle raising and agriculture (maize, cereals, fruit trees) has made a harmonious landscape. Due to the rugged landscape, there are only 1,367 inhabitants in the biosphere reserve: the main issue for them is to promote tourism respectful of nature.