The Sierra de la Pila Regional Park is located within the territories of the municipalities of Abaran, Blanca, Molina de Segura, Fortuna, and Jumilla. Its total area is approximately 8,836 hectares.
It has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), as well as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). It integrates the Natura 2000 Network of Protected Natural Spaces of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia.
The Sierra de la Pila can be divided into two large sectors separated by the Barranco del Mulo. In the eastern sector are the highest peaks, which are La Pila, at 1,264 meters, and Los Cenajos, at 1,200 meters. In the western sector, the Caramucel peak stands out, with an altitude of 1,023 meters.
Flora
In terms of flora, we must highlight the presence of species typical of the Iberian Peninsula, and that are among the protected flora in the Murcia region. Among them, black hawthorn, heart of palm, strawberry tree, common juniper and juniperus species, lentisk, terebinth, and holm oak stand out.
Holm oaks and junipers can be identified on the summits. The Aleppo pine prevails in the arboreal vegetation. The presence of thickets such as the terebinth and the laurustinus also stands out, especially in the high and shady areas, as well as in rocky areas with steep slopes.
The typical scrub of the area is made up mainly of kermes oak, juniper, black hawthorn, and lentisk.
Even so, in the most deteriorated soils, there are species such as thyme and rosemary, widely used as condiments in food preparation.
Fauna
In the Sierra de la Pila, there are many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Among the mammals, the small ones —such as the shrew, the garden dormouse, and the Algerian mouse— stand out. In terms of carnivores, there are wildcats, common genets, European badgers, and beech martens, among others.
In the Sierra de la Pila Regional Park, there is an area declared Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), with species of special care being the red-billed chough and the Corvidae species. They install their colonies in locations that birds of prey or other animals cannot easily access.
These birds of prey include the sparrowhawk, the northern goshawk, the common buzzard, the Eurasian hobby, the golden eagle, and the peregrine falcon.
A great multitude of small birds populate the forests of this mountain range. One can find the great tit, the Eurasian blue tit, the chaffinch, and the common firecrest, among others. Other birds are found in the abandoned thickets and crops. These include the red-legged partridge, the Iberian grey shrike, and the lesser whitethroat.
The presence of the Sierra de la Pila in the five municipalities mentioned above gives it a prominence in the lives of its inhabitants and in the administration of these municipalities. This ensures the sustainability of the mountains, as well as their flora and fauna.
The best Tours & Activities in the region of Murcia
