How life thrives in Spain's semi-arid biodiversity hotspot
In short: The Sierra Morena mountain range defies its harsh environment to become a sanctuary for diverse life. This video explores how species adapt to extreme heat and water scarcity in one of the Mediterranean's most resilient ecosystems.
In the Sierra Morena, summer temperatures frequently exceed 30ºC, with some regions receiving as little as 500 millimetres of rain annually. To survive this semi-arid climate, local flora have evolved thick, resistant leaves to conserve moisture, while many animal species have adapted by reducing their physical size and altering their body shapes.
Stretching approximately 200 miles (320 km) from the Sierra de Alcaraz to the Portuguese border, this range serves as a vital watershed between the Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers. Despite its desolate appearance, it is a significant biodiversity hotspot characterized by dense evergreen bushes and shrubs.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Hidden Life of the Sierra Morena | Stories of the Mediterranean Forest 3/6 | Go Wild
- Also: Sierra Morena | Wildlife, Hiking & Nature | Britannica
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