UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Real Sitio de San Ildefonso-El Espinar
General information
 The biosphere reserve of Real Sitio de San Ildefonso-El Espinar is located on the northwestern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama (Iberian Central System) in the south of the province of Segovia, 50 kilometres from Madrid.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2013
Country
Spain
Total population
14371
Area
Surface
14,443.00 ha
Total terresterial area
14,443.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 40.7779 - Longitude: -4.14805
Ecological Characteristics
The biosphere reserve occupies a large cirque (a bowl-shaped depression) that opens to the north over the Segovia plains, comprising the highest peaks of the Guadarrama mountain range.The vegetation of the northern slope of the Guadarrama mountain range is characterized by coarse grasses and scrub formations adapted to the extreme weather of the area, as well as pine and oak, and alluvial grasslands optimal for livestock.Some of the most emblematic wildlife species of Spain, listed as endangered, are found in the biosphere reserve. These include the imperial eagle, black stork and black vulture, a large colony of roosting griffon vultures, and different species of peaks, chough, and migratory birds such as the eagle and black kite.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The population of the biosphere reserve comprises some 15 520 habitants concentrated mostly in the transition zone and highly variable according to the season.The mountain of ValsaÃn is an important area of woodland and is of significant ecological, economic, aesthetic and social value. Economic activities include glass production, tourism and small-scale farming. The site also includes several research centres dedicated to forestry research and monitoring.