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Covadonga National Park, Asturias, Spain. Its history, conservation interest and management problems
COVADONGA NATIONAL PARK, ASTURIAS, SPAIN. ITS HISTORY, CONSERVATION INTEREST AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS
MIGUEL ANGEL GARCiA DORY*
President o[' Asociaci6n Asturiana de Amigos de la Naturaleza, Uria 16, Oviedo, Spain
ABSTRACT
The Covadonga National Park was the first to be established (1918) in Spain and is one o f the oldest in Europe. Its fauna and flora include many species of interest and the park area is representative of the prevailing ecosystem throughout the wet zone of Spain neighbouring the Cantabrican mountain range. Its history is complex, having been influenced by different political ideologies dominant within the Government. The last f e w years have been particularly critical as the massive promotion o[the country's tourism has led to the occupation o f even the the most wild and remote areas. For its future protection it would be advisable to adopt basic reforms which should include an extension o f its present limits and the reintroduction of species which have recently disappeared. RESUMEN
El Parque Nacional de Covadonga, en Asturias ( Espaffa),Juk el primero en crearse en este pais ( 1918) y uno de los m~s anti guos en Europa. A ctualmente alber ga especies de interes y es representativo del ecosistema imperante en toda la zona humeda de Espaffa proxima a la Cordillera Cantabrica. Su historia ha sido compleja, ya que se vi6 sometido a muy diversas actuaci6nes enJunci6n de las ideologias politicas dominantes en la Administraci6n. Los ~ltimos afros fueron particularmente criticos, ya que la promoci6n masiva del turismo en el pals determin6 la ocupacibn de los lugares md~s apartados y silvestres. Para su protecci6n futura seria aconsejable adoptar reJormas bdtsicas entre las que deberian incluirse tanto la ampliaci6n de los actuales limites, como la reintroducci6n de especies recientemente desaparacidas. * Present address: Alcantara-69, Madrid (6), Spain.
79 Biol. Conserv. (11) (1977) Printed in Great Britain
© Applied Science Publishers Ltd, England, 1977
80
GARCiA DORY
INTRODUCTION
In the relatively recent history of nature conservation in Spain, the Covadonga National Park plays both a protagonistic and a representative role. This is due to the fact that its creation in 1918 makes it the oldest, not only in the Iberian Peninsula but also in Europe. Therefore an examination of its history will help to illustrate the stages in its evolution as a national park which have taken place under the various political regimes in Spain. On the other hand, its biological and ecological values are representative of the prevailing ecosystem in the wet zone of Spain (Cantabrican range) and its future conservation is therefore of great scientific interest.
LOCATION
The Park includes the whole of the western mass of the Picos de Europa, in the Cantabrican mountains which range from 260 to 2596m in height. The administration of the area is shared by the provinces of Asturias and Le6n, in the north of the peninsula. The easiest and best known points of access are by the asphalt road from Covadonga to the two lakes (Los Lagos) on the Asturias side, or otherwise through the valley of Valdeon, on the Leon side of the Park.
AREA AND OWNERSHIP
The total surface area of the Park is 16,925 ha, of which 531 are privately owned, 16,363 belong to the nearby town councils and the remaining 31 are state property. That is to say that only 0.18 ~o of the total area belongs to the nation, while 99.6 ~o is either private property (3.5 ~o) or is owned by the neighbouring town councils (96.6 ~o) (Ortufio, 1974). This complex pattern of land ownership is one of the greatest obstacles existing at present for the development of an effective conservation policy.
THE VEGETATION
Deciduous woods, broom scrub and sub-alpine and alpine meadoivs are the dominant types of vegetation. The first occupies a surface area of approximately 2500 ha, the most common species being Castanea sativa, Corylus avellana and Alnus glutinosa on the valley beds and at altitudes ranging between 250 and 500 m. Oak woods consisting of Quercus sessiliflora, Quercus robur and Quercus petrea, with scattered specimens of Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus aria, Tilia
COVADONGA NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN
81
spp. and Taxus baccata extend between 500 and 1000 m, while Fagus sylvatica, the most widespread species, is found from 800 to 1500 m. Some isolated groups of Betula verrucosa are found at and above 1500 m while llex aquiJolium forms an important constituent of the beech forests (Castroviejo, 1973). Scrub species include Ulex europaeus and Ulex nana on the lower layer of 260-500 m, while Erica arborea, Calluna vulgaris, Genista florida and Juniperus nana occur at higher altitudes. In stoney places and on scree slopes Vaccinium myrtillus, Rubus idaeus, Hedera helix, Blechnum spicant and Polypodium vulgare grow, each of these of ecological value for its winter trophic role. The alpine and sub-alpine meadows have a surface area of about 5500 ha and form the basis of traditional and long-established pastoral activity. The most characteristic species are Plantago alpina, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago montana,
Tri[olium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Phleum alpinum, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus montanus, Ranunculus alpina, Nardus stricta, Veronica alpina, Euphrasia alpina and Poa minor (Goyanes, 1967). Among the regional endemics present in the Park which call for urgent protection the following should be mentioned: Narcissus asturiensis, Androsace lactea, Dabra cantabricae, Campanula barbata, Salix breviserrata and Linaria alpina (Lainz, 1973).
THE FAUNA
During the second half of the 19th century, the local variety of the Spanish ibex, Capra pyrenaica,disappeared from the mountains. This was probably an intermediate form between Capra p. pyrenaica and Capra p. lusitanica, the former being found in the Pyrenees around Huesca and the latter in Sierra de Gerez in North Portugal (Uria Riu, 1960). More recently, the bearded vulture, GypaO'tus barbatus aureus, has disappeared, the last nesting pairs being recorded about 30 years ago. Young wandering individuals, without doubt originating from the not too distant Pyrenees, can be observed occasionally. The European brown bear, Ursus arctos pyrenaicus, and wolf, Canis lupus signatus, are found nearby so that they enter the National Park and remain there for some time. This is one of the reasons why the present Park boundaries should be extended, thus making the protection offered to these species more effective. Other mammals present include Mustela erminea, Mustela nivalis, Meles meles, Martes martes, Genetta genetta, Felis sylvestris, Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus and Rupicapra rupicapra, of which several thousand live in the Park. The Soricidae include Sorex araneus, Neomys .[odiens, Neomys anomalus, Croeidura russula, Sorex minutus, and the Talpidae: Desmana pyrenaica, Talpa europaea and Talpa caecca. Other c o m m o n m a m m a l s are Lepus capensis, Sciurus vulgaris, Eliomys
82
GAR('iA DORY
quercinus, Glis glis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus nivalis, Microtus agrestis, Microtus arvalis, Arvicola terrestris, Pitymys savii, Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemusflavicollis. A race of semi-wild horse is represented by the "Asturc6n', of which a few specimens remain, easily recognised by their colour (black) and small size. Some 120 species of birds have been recorded, among which the following stand out for their rarity: Tetrao urogallus cantabricus, with a maximum population of 5 6 pairs and Aquila chrysdetos, one of the largest raptors, which totals 3 4 pairs. Other species which, although abundant, are also in need of protection due to the alarming decrease in number are: Gyps Julvus, Accipiter nisus, Accipiter gentilis, Falco peregrinus, Circdetus gallicus, Dryocopus martius and Dendrocopos major. Some other species present are of value because of their scarcity in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, although at present their situation is stable in Covadonga National Park. This is the case of Pernis apivorus, Neophron percnopterus, Perdix
perdix, Asio otus, Prunella collaris, Oenanthe oenanthe, Monticola saxatilis, Tichodroma muraria and MonttJringilla nivalis (Bernis, 1955). Amphibians and reptiles are represented by Chioglossa lusitanica (which, in this area, reaches the most easterly point in its distribution within the Cantabrican mountain range), Triturus alpestris, Triturus helveticus, Alytes obstetricans,
Discoglossus pictus, Bu[o bulb, Bulb calamita, Rana iberica, Rana temporaria,iAnuis .fi'agilis, Lacerta bocagey, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta muralis, Lacerta schreipersi, Lacerla viridis, Coronella austriaca, Natrix maura, Natrix natrix, and Vipera berus.
HISTORY
Three periods can be recognised in the history of the National Park, each influenced by the political ideology practised by the different governments in power. The first of these periods covers the years 1918 36, that is from its foundation until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, during which time not only was the Park designated as a protected area, but also efficient measures were taken to fulfil its role as an authentic National Park. Protection reached its maximum during the Second Republican Government, which donated considerable sums of money for the purchase of land on behalf of the State and prohibited exploitation of natural resources such as minerals and timber. The second period coincides with the Civil War (1936-39), during which important battles were fought within its boundaries and in the neighbourhood. During this time part of its larger fauna, bear, wolf, chamois, bearded vulture and golden eagle, was destroyed or greatly reduced. The last of the three periods, 1940 75, is characterised by the enormous amount of human activity within the Park limits. Iron and magnesium resources were
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exploited and the water of the rivers Cares and D o b r a was used for hydraulic power. In addition timber was extracted from the forest of Pome, the lakes were fished and tourism was encouraged by the construction of a hotel and the rebuilding of the roads. This stage corresponds with the maximum change in natural and scenic value, accelerating the disappearance of species whose regression had already begun during the second period. Some of these species became practically extinct, for example the wolf and bear. Ambitious new projects for tourist promotion such as the construction of cable-car lifts were tried out. In short, this last stage is the most critical for the National Park and was stimulated in part by the tourist boom which may result in as many as a million people a year visiting the area (Table 1).
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Some human activities have already been mentioned, but a more detailed examination is necessary to illustrate how the Park has suffered continual exploitation in a way which is completely contrary to the accepted role of National Parks. The use of the mountain pastures by grazing stock is perhaps the oldest of human activities and the least damaging to the ecological structure, so much so that the recent change in use has contributed to the decrease of some species such as wolf, bearded vulture and eagle. The number of people employed in looking after grazing animals has decreased considerably in the last 50 years. For example, the number of mountain huts formerly used by shepherds has declined from 373 to only 121 (47 ~0), leaving 235 which have been abandoned or, in 17 instances, transferred to tourists or people who use them as holiday homes. During the period 1963-74 the numbers of cattle and sheep remained stable while the numbers of horses rose by 70 ~£ and goats by 140} o. This replacement of some species by others seems likely to result in ecological changes in the vegetation (Garcia Dory, 1972). Mining activity has been extensive from time to time and began in the years prior to the declaration of the National Park. The company licensed to exploit the iron and manganese deposits was nationalised and finally closed down in 1929. However, in 1934 preparations began for re-starting extraction but the Government opposed the plan and prohibited further work. However, in 1940, exploitation was again started and continued until 1972, when the profitable seams were exhausted. Following this, prospecting for new seams was carried out in other areas but the results were negative, otherwise there would have been a new period of mining activity. At present (1976) a new project is planned to extract mineral from the refuse heaps of the old mine. Important hydraulic works were carried out in the period 1940-50 along the Cares and D o b r a rivers, the only ones which could be made use of for these means, causing modifications to the landscape and natural characteristics of the area. Particularly
COVADONGA NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN
85
spectacular was the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a d a m over the river D o b r a which flooded a valley a n d drastically changed the higher part of the river course. T o u r i s t facilities were p r o m o t e d by the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a hotel in the proximity of the lakes, one of the most picturesque a n d attractive regions in the Park. Later, the access road was surfaced a n d parking areas were provided for coaches a n d cars. All these works greatly modified the local e n v i r o n m e n t to which h u n d r e d s of vehicles are now attracted each week-end. Other activities such as timber extraction a n d fishing were authorised in clear c o n t r a d i c t i o n of the original concept that a N a t i o n a l Park should be a wilderness area where the rural amenities are m a i n t a i n e d for the public to enjoy.
FUTURE PROTECTION It is evident that in the future more efficient measures of conservation must be taken if protection is to be g u a r a n t e e d for this n a t u r a l area. These measures should have three m a i n aims. The first priority is to ensure that the existing legislation for the N a t i o n a l Park is fully respected b o t h in letter a n d in spirit. Secondly, the present b o u n d a r i e s of the Park should be extended because the existing 17 000 ha are insufficient for the adequate protection of habitats a n d species. Finally, and as a goal to be achieved some time in the future, the r e - i n t r o d u c t i o n of recently extinct species should be considered, a n d a n effort made to assist the recovery of those types of vegetation which have been modified or destroyed. These measures are essential to re-establish the original ecological structure of the Park.
REFERENCES BERNIS,F. (1955). Nota preliminar sobre aves de Asturias y Galicia. Prontuario de la A vifctuna E,spaffola. Madrid, Sociedad Espafiola de Ornitologia. CASTROVlEJO,J. (1973). Primeros datos sobre la ecologia invernal de los vertebrados de la Cordillera Cantabrica. Asturnatura, I, 35 49. GARClA DORY, M. A. (1972). Evolucion y estado presente del Parque Nacional de la Montafia de Covadonga. Adena, December 1972, 20 2. GOYANES,G. (1967). E1 Parque Nacional de la Montafia de Covadonga. Madrid. Servicio National de Pesca Fluvial y Caza, 83 102. LmNZ. M. (1973). Flora. Gran Enciclopedia Asturiana. Gijon. 46 9. ORTtJ~O, F. (1974). Los Parques Nacionales en Espafia. Vida Silvestre, 12, 222 8. URIARIu, J. (1960). El mueyu, Capra pyrenaica, extinguida a comienzos del siglo pasado. Archivum, 9, 361- 75.
MIGUEL ANGEL GARCiA DORY*
President o[' Asociaci6n Asturiana de Amigos de la Naturaleza, Uria 16, Oviedo, Spain
ABSTRACT
The Covadonga National Park was the first to be established (1918) in Spain and is one o f the oldest in Europe. Its fauna and flora include many species of interest and the park area is representative of the prevailing ecosystem throughout the wet zone of Spain neighbouring the Cantabrican mountain range. Its history is complex, having been influenced by different political ideologies dominant within the Government. The last f e w years have been particularly critical as the massive promotion o[the country's tourism has led to the occupation o f even the the most wild and remote areas. For its future protection it would be advisable to adopt basic reforms which should include an extension o f its present limits and the reintroduction of species which have recently disappeared. RESUMEN
El Parque Nacional de Covadonga, en Asturias ( Espaffa),Juk el primero en crearse en este pais ( 1918) y uno de los m~s anti guos en Europa. A ctualmente alber ga especies de interes y es representativo del ecosistema imperante en toda la zona humeda de Espaffa proxima a la Cordillera Cantabrica. Su historia ha sido compleja, ya que se vi6 sometido a muy diversas actuaci6nes enJunci6n de las ideologias politicas dominantes en la Administraci6n. Los ~ltimos afros fueron particularmente criticos, ya que la promoci6n masiva del turismo en el pals determin6 la ocupacibn de los lugares md~s apartados y silvestres. Para su protecci6n futura seria aconsejable adoptar reJormas bdtsicas entre las que deberian incluirse tanto la ampliaci6n de los actuales limites, como la reintroducci6n de especies recientemente desaparacidas. * Present address: Alcantara-69, Madrid (6), Spain.
79 Biol. Conserv. (11) (1977) Printed in Great Britain
© Applied Science Publishers Ltd, England, 1977
80
GARCiA DORY
INTRODUCTION
In the relatively recent history of nature conservation in Spain, the Covadonga National Park plays both a protagonistic and a representative role. This is due to the fact that its creation in 1918 makes it the oldest, not only in the Iberian Peninsula but also in Europe. Therefore an examination of its history will help to illustrate the stages in its evolution as a national park which have taken place under the various political regimes in Spain. On the other hand, its biological and ecological values are representative of the prevailing ecosystem in the wet zone of Spain (Cantabrican range) and its future conservation is therefore of great scientific interest.
LOCATION
The Park includes the whole of the western mass of the Picos de Europa, in the Cantabrican mountains which range from 260 to 2596m in height. The administration of the area is shared by the provinces of Asturias and Le6n, in the north of the peninsula. The easiest and best known points of access are by the asphalt road from Covadonga to the two lakes (Los Lagos) on the Asturias side, or otherwise through the valley of Valdeon, on the Leon side of the Park.
AREA AND OWNERSHIP
The total surface area of the Park is 16,925 ha, of which 531 are privately owned, 16,363 belong to the nearby town councils and the remaining 31 are state property. That is to say that only 0.18 ~o of the total area belongs to the nation, while 99.6 ~o is either private property (3.5 ~o) or is owned by the neighbouring town councils (96.6 ~o) (Ortufio, 1974). This complex pattern of land ownership is one of the greatest obstacles existing at present for the development of an effective conservation policy.
THE VEGETATION
Deciduous woods, broom scrub and sub-alpine and alpine meadoivs are the dominant types of vegetation. The first occupies a surface area of approximately 2500 ha, the most common species being Castanea sativa, Corylus avellana and Alnus glutinosa on the valley beds and at altitudes ranging between 250 and 500 m. Oak woods consisting of Quercus sessiliflora, Quercus robur and Quercus petrea, with scattered specimens of Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus aria, Tilia
COVADONGA NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN
81
spp. and Taxus baccata extend between 500 and 1000 m, while Fagus sylvatica, the most widespread species, is found from 800 to 1500 m. Some isolated groups of Betula verrucosa are found at and above 1500 m while llex aquiJolium forms an important constituent of the beech forests (Castroviejo, 1973). Scrub species include Ulex europaeus and Ulex nana on the lower layer of 260-500 m, while Erica arborea, Calluna vulgaris, Genista florida and Juniperus nana occur at higher altitudes. In stoney places and on scree slopes Vaccinium myrtillus, Rubus idaeus, Hedera helix, Blechnum spicant and Polypodium vulgare grow, each of these of ecological value for its winter trophic role. The alpine and sub-alpine meadows have a surface area of about 5500 ha and form the basis of traditional and long-established pastoral activity. The most characteristic species are Plantago alpina, Plantago lanceolata, Plantago montana,
Tri[olium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Phleum alpinum, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus montanus, Ranunculus alpina, Nardus stricta, Veronica alpina, Euphrasia alpina and Poa minor (Goyanes, 1967). Among the regional endemics present in the Park which call for urgent protection the following should be mentioned: Narcissus asturiensis, Androsace lactea, Dabra cantabricae, Campanula barbata, Salix breviserrata and Linaria alpina (Lainz, 1973).
THE FAUNA
During the second half of the 19th century, the local variety of the Spanish ibex, Capra pyrenaica,disappeared from the mountains. This was probably an intermediate form between Capra p. pyrenaica and Capra p. lusitanica, the former being found in the Pyrenees around Huesca and the latter in Sierra de Gerez in North Portugal (Uria Riu, 1960). More recently, the bearded vulture, GypaO'tus barbatus aureus, has disappeared, the last nesting pairs being recorded about 30 years ago. Young wandering individuals, without doubt originating from the not too distant Pyrenees, can be observed occasionally. The European brown bear, Ursus arctos pyrenaicus, and wolf, Canis lupus signatus, are found nearby so that they enter the National Park and remain there for some time. This is one of the reasons why the present Park boundaries should be extended, thus making the protection offered to these species more effective. Other mammals present include Mustela erminea, Mustela nivalis, Meles meles, Martes martes, Genetta genetta, Felis sylvestris, Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus and Rupicapra rupicapra, of which several thousand live in the Park. The Soricidae include Sorex araneus, Neomys .[odiens, Neomys anomalus, Croeidura russula, Sorex minutus, and the Talpidae: Desmana pyrenaica, Talpa europaea and Talpa caecca. Other c o m m o n m a m m a l s are Lepus capensis, Sciurus vulgaris, Eliomys
82
GAR('iA DORY
quercinus, Glis glis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus nivalis, Microtus agrestis, Microtus arvalis, Arvicola terrestris, Pitymys savii, Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemusflavicollis. A race of semi-wild horse is represented by the "Asturc6n', of which a few specimens remain, easily recognised by their colour (black) and small size. Some 120 species of birds have been recorded, among which the following stand out for their rarity: Tetrao urogallus cantabricus, with a maximum population of 5 6 pairs and Aquila chrysdetos, one of the largest raptors, which totals 3 4 pairs. Other species which, although abundant, are also in need of protection due to the alarming decrease in number are: Gyps Julvus, Accipiter nisus, Accipiter gentilis, Falco peregrinus, Circdetus gallicus, Dryocopus martius and Dendrocopos major. Some other species present are of value because of their scarcity in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, although at present their situation is stable in Covadonga National Park. This is the case of Pernis apivorus, Neophron percnopterus, Perdix
perdix, Asio otus, Prunella collaris, Oenanthe oenanthe, Monticola saxatilis, Tichodroma muraria and MonttJringilla nivalis (Bernis, 1955). Amphibians and reptiles are represented by Chioglossa lusitanica (which, in this area, reaches the most easterly point in its distribution within the Cantabrican mountain range), Triturus alpestris, Triturus helveticus, Alytes obstetricans,
Discoglossus pictus, Bu[o bulb, Bulb calamita, Rana iberica, Rana temporaria,iAnuis .fi'agilis, Lacerta bocagey, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta muralis, Lacerta schreipersi, Lacerla viridis, Coronella austriaca, Natrix maura, Natrix natrix, and Vipera berus.
HISTORY
Three periods can be recognised in the history of the National Park, each influenced by the political ideology practised by the different governments in power. The first of these periods covers the years 1918 36, that is from its foundation until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, during which time not only was the Park designated as a protected area, but also efficient measures were taken to fulfil its role as an authentic National Park. Protection reached its maximum during the Second Republican Government, which donated considerable sums of money for the purchase of land on behalf of the State and prohibited exploitation of natural resources such as minerals and timber. The second period coincides with the Civil War (1936-39), during which important battles were fought within its boundaries and in the neighbourhood. During this time part of its larger fauna, bear, wolf, chamois, bearded vulture and golden eagle, was destroyed or greatly reduced. The last of the three periods, 1940 75, is characterised by the enormous amount of human activity within the Park limits. Iron and magnesium resources were
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exploited and the water of the rivers Cares and D o b r a was used for hydraulic power. In addition timber was extracted from the forest of Pome, the lakes were fished and tourism was encouraged by the construction of a hotel and the rebuilding of the roads. This stage corresponds with the maximum change in natural and scenic value, accelerating the disappearance of species whose regression had already begun during the second period. Some of these species became practically extinct, for example the wolf and bear. Ambitious new projects for tourist promotion such as the construction of cable-car lifts were tried out. In short, this last stage is the most critical for the National Park and was stimulated in part by the tourist boom which may result in as many as a million people a year visiting the area (Table 1).
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Some human activities have already been mentioned, but a more detailed examination is necessary to illustrate how the Park has suffered continual exploitation in a way which is completely contrary to the accepted role of National Parks. The use of the mountain pastures by grazing stock is perhaps the oldest of human activities and the least damaging to the ecological structure, so much so that the recent change in use has contributed to the decrease of some species such as wolf, bearded vulture and eagle. The number of people employed in looking after grazing animals has decreased considerably in the last 50 years. For example, the number of mountain huts formerly used by shepherds has declined from 373 to only 121 (47 ~0), leaving 235 which have been abandoned or, in 17 instances, transferred to tourists or people who use them as holiday homes. During the period 1963-74 the numbers of cattle and sheep remained stable while the numbers of horses rose by 70 ~£ and goats by 140} o. This replacement of some species by others seems likely to result in ecological changes in the vegetation (Garcia Dory, 1972). Mining activity has been extensive from time to time and began in the years prior to the declaration of the National Park. The company licensed to exploit the iron and manganese deposits was nationalised and finally closed down in 1929. However, in 1934 preparations began for re-starting extraction but the Government opposed the plan and prohibited further work. However, in 1940, exploitation was again started and continued until 1972, when the profitable seams were exhausted. Following this, prospecting for new seams was carried out in other areas but the results were negative, otherwise there would have been a new period of mining activity. At present (1976) a new project is planned to extract mineral from the refuse heaps of the old mine. Important hydraulic works were carried out in the period 1940-50 along the Cares and D o b r a rivers, the only ones which could be made use of for these means, causing modifications to the landscape and natural characteristics of the area. Particularly
COVADONGA NATIONAL PARK, SPAIN
85
spectacular was the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a d a m over the river D o b r a which flooded a valley a n d drastically changed the higher part of the river course. T o u r i s t facilities were p r o m o t e d by the c o n s t r u c t i o n of a hotel in the proximity of the lakes, one of the most picturesque a n d attractive regions in the Park. Later, the access road was surfaced a n d parking areas were provided for coaches a n d cars. All these works greatly modified the local e n v i r o n m e n t to which h u n d r e d s of vehicles are now attracted each week-end. Other activities such as timber extraction a n d fishing were authorised in clear c o n t r a d i c t i o n of the original concept that a N a t i o n a l Park should be a wilderness area where the rural amenities are m a i n t a i n e d for the public to enjoy.
FUTURE PROTECTION It is evident that in the future more efficient measures of conservation must be taken if protection is to be g u a r a n t e e d for this n a t u r a l area. These measures should have three m a i n aims. The first priority is to ensure that the existing legislation for the N a t i o n a l Park is fully respected b o t h in letter a n d in spirit. Secondly, the present b o u n d a r i e s of the Park should be extended because the existing 17 000 ha are insufficient for the adequate protection of habitats a n d species. Finally, and as a goal to be achieved some time in the future, the r e - i n t r o d u c t i o n of recently extinct species should be considered, a n d a n effort made to assist the recovery of those types of vegetation which have been modified or destroyed. These measures are essential to re-establish the original ecological structure of the Park.
REFERENCES BERNIS,F. (1955). Nota preliminar sobre aves de Asturias y Galicia. Prontuario de la A vifctuna E,spaffola. Madrid, Sociedad Espafiola de Ornitologia. CASTROVlEJO,J. (1973). Primeros datos sobre la ecologia invernal de los vertebrados de la Cordillera Cantabrica. Asturnatura, I, 35 49. GARClA DORY, M. A. (1972). Evolucion y estado presente del Parque Nacional de la Montafia de Covadonga. Adena, December 1972, 20 2. GOYANES,G. (1967). E1 Parque Nacional de la Montafia de Covadonga. Madrid. Servicio National de Pesca Fluvial y Caza, 83 102. LmNZ. M. (1973). Flora. Gran Enciclopedia Asturiana. Gijon. 46 9. ORTtJ~O, F. (1974). Los Parques Nacionales en Espafia. Vida Silvestre, 12, 222 8. URIARIu, J. (1960). El mueyu, Capra pyrenaica, extinguida a comienzos del siglo pasado. Archivum, 9, 361- 75.