Extremadura Guide Eng 2016

SAC AND SPA L OS L LANOS DE C ÁCERES AND S IERRA DE F UENTES

3.9

EMBALSE DE ALCÁNTARA II

LOCATION It is a wide area of plains that spreads out from Brozas to Trujillo, settled on the plain of Cáceres and surrounded by the mountain formations of Sierra de San Pedro, natu- ral closing of Los Llanos. To the north, Almonte and Tajo rivers stand in the foothills of the mountain ranges that rise in Gredos and Villuercas, thus giving way to less abrupt lands. Sierra de Fuentes is the main mountain formation in the plain and stands out as a big isle immersed in the pas- ture lands. In the middle of Los Llanos, the peculiar drag- on-shaped reservoir of Guadiloba stands out. The protected area possesses the best zones for birds but mostly limited by the banks of Tamuja and Almonte rivers. The area of Special protection area has over 70,000 hectares belonging to the municipal terms of Cáceres, Sier- ra de Fuentes, Torreorgaz, Torrequemada, Torremocha and Aldea del Cano. It is not recommended to carry out routes other than those signposted for it, avoiding to disturb the fauna. Most part of the private states are dedicated to cattle farming and the lattice-gates have to be always closed in order to avoid the animals escaping. Nonetheless, it is recommended the visit in spring, specially when the rut of the great bustard starts and forms the famous “ruedas” around the females, showing their nuptial plumage. Due to the predominance of the plains and the undu- lations, it is easier to go around this area by bike, even it is recommended this means of transport for most of the routes, instead of going by car. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VISITS

CASAR DE CÁCERES

CASTILLEJO

PIE DE VILLA

EL MATO

EMBALSE DE GUADILOBA

CÁCERES

TARRAQUERRA

SANTA MARTA DE MAGASCA

ATALAYÓN

VIRGEN DE LA MONTAÑA

ALDEA MORET

SIERRA DE FUENTES

ERMITA DE STA. LUCÍA

ERMITA

TORREORGAZ

PLASENZUELA

ERMITA DE STA. EULALIA

TORREQUEMADA

VALDESALOR

EMBALSE DE VALDESALOR

44

EMBALSE DEL GALLO

BOTIJA

TORREMOCHA

ALDEA DEL CANO

In 1989, after applying the Directive of Birds (79/409/ CEE), it is classified as Special Protection Area (ZEPA), thus according to the compulsory European rules. Later, after publicizing the Law 8/98 of “Conservation of Nature and Natural Areas of Extremadura” is included in the Group of Protected Areas of Extremadura with the figure of Special Conservation Area (SCA), having the same limits as ZEPA. Los Llanos de Trujillo and the zone of “Cuatro Lugares”, located to the north of the area, possess enough ornithological values to be included in ZEPA.

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