Picos De Europa National Park Research Articles

Analysis of structural and functional indicators for assessing the health state of mountain streams

Mountain streams play a key role in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and key ecosystem services; however human activities are threatening these ecosystems as mountain areas become more and more developed and intensively used. Many of these streams are not considered in current national monitoring programs due to their small catchment area. However, assessing their status and monitoring their trends is well needed to ensure their proper management and conservation. In this study, we evaluated the use of a range of indicators related to different ecosystem structural and functional components in 2 streams affected by sewage outflows and compared with an unpolluted stream in the Picos de Europa National Park (Spain). We surveyed benthic periphyton, macroinvertebrate communities and fish assemblages and also estimated periphyton growth rates, wood decomposition rates and river metabolism. Additionally, we compared the performance of the selected indicators in different hydraulic conditions. Results revealed an effect of the organic pollution on most of the functional and structural indicators for the most polluted stream. Only the number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera taxa, the Iberian Biomonitoring Working Party index, the invertebrate multimetric index used by the regional water agency, the fish abundance and biomass were sensitive enough to detect low levels of pollution and followed the expected response to the pollution degree. Moreover, most of the indicators behaved similarly under different hydraulic conditions, without major differences between pools and runs. However, the combination of both pool and run replicates at the reach scale resulted in a higher detection capacity of the effects of organic pollution.

The Alejico Carboniferous Forest: a 3D-Terrestrial and UAV-Assisted Photogrammetric Model for Geologic Heritage Preservation

The Alejico coalbeds represent a well-preserved Carboniferous fossils site characterised by the presence of tree trunks in life position and parallel to bedding. The area, located near the Picos de Europa National Park (Spain), between the Leon and Asturias provinces, lacks of any kind of preservation directives, thus being influenced by weathering, erosion and anthropogenic destruction. We present a photogrammetric study carried out through terrestrial and UAV-assisted technology in order to collect digital 3D information for fossil analysis and future preservation. A general overview of the steep wall of the outcrop and a detailed section of the fossil forest have been implemented into a reliable and accurate point cloud. Qualitative and quantitative information was obtained from a georeferenced high-resolution digital 3D model used for the characterisation of the different outcrop features, which aimed specially at the fossil conservation. The results provide useful information on the nature and paleoenvironment of carboniferous forests with important implication for scientific and educational interests. These technologies provide new possibilities for better preservation and diffusion of geologic heritage locations prone to be damaged, and enables public awareness for the protection of fossil sites with high scientific and cultural value.

Lipid biomarkers in Lake Enol (Asturias, Northern Spain): Coupled natural and human induced environmental history

The lipid content of three cores from Lake Enol (Picos de Europa National Park, Asturias, Northern Spain) was studied. The n-alkane profiles indicated a major input from terrigenous plants [predominance of high molecular weight (HMW) alkanes] since ca. 1695 AD to the water body, although the uppermost cm revealed a predominance of organic matter (OM) derived from algae, as the most abundant alkane was C17. Three units revealing different environmental conditions were defined. Unit A (ca. 1695–1860 AD) in the lowermost parts of ENO13-10 (<12cm) and ENO13-15 (<28cm) was identified and was characterized by higher OM input and evidence of minimal degradation (high CPI values, predominance of HMW n-alkanoic acids and good correspondence between the predominant n-alkane and n-alkanoic acid chains). These findings could be linked to the Little Ice Age, when cold and humid conditions may have favored an increase in total organic carbon (TOC) and n-alkane and n-alkanoic acid content (greater terrigenous OM in-wash), and may have also reduced bacterial activity. In Unit B (ca. 1860–1980 AD) the lack of correspondence between the n-alkane and n-alkanoic acid profiles of ENO13-10 (12–4cm) and ENO13-15 (28–8cm) suggested a certain preferential microbial synthesis of long chain saturated fatty acids from primary OM and/or bacterial activity, coinciding with a decrease in OM input, which could be linked to the global warming that started in the second half of the 19th century. In ENO13-7 the low OM input (low TOC) was accompanied by some bacterial degradation (predominance of HMW n-alkanoic acids but with a bimodal distribution) in the lowermost 16–5cm. Evidence of considerable phytoplankton productivity and microbial activity was especially significant in Unit C (ca. 1980–2013 AD) identified in the uppermost part of all three cores (5cm in ENO13-7, 4cm in ENO13-10 and 8cm in ENO13-15), coinciding with higher concentrations of n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids, which were considered to be linked to warmer and drier conditions, as well as to greater anthropogenic influence in modern times.Plant sterols, such as β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, were significantly present in the cores. In addition, fecal stanols, such as 24-ethylcoprostanol from herbivores, were present, thereby indicating a continuous and significant pollution input derived from these animals since the 17th century, being more important in the last 20years.

KARSYS hydrogeological 3D modeling of alpine karst aquifers developed in geologically complex areas: Picos de Europa National Park (Spain)

Karst aquifers are valuable groundwater resources whose management requires the use of functioning hydrogeological models. The KARSYS approach provides an explicit 3D conceptual model of the geometry and the functioning of karst aquifers that has been successfully applied in Swiss and Slovenian aquifers. In this work, KARSYS is applied in a complex geological area: the Picos de Europa National Park (Spain). The hydrogeological 3D model (500 km2) shows an alpine karst aquifer compartmentalized into 32 groundwater bodies dammed up by subvertical barriers creating elevated saturated zones (water tables at 1153 m asl) and lower ones (water tables at 145 m asl). The recharge is through 18 spring catchment areas. The groundwater flows to the saturated zones pass through vertical to inclined trajectories, and phreatic flows are oriented toward NW, NE and N. KARSYS can be applied to any geologically complex area at a regional scale, although the geological structure should be simplified and the precision in some places is low. Nevertheless, KARSYS helps to identify the hydrogeological behavior of karst areas and is a useful guide for future hydrogeological researches.

Denominaciones de Origen y Parques Nacionales: Actividad quesera en Picos de Europa (Denomination of Origin and National Parks: Cheese activity in Picos de Europa)

The complex coexistence between the management of National Parks (NP, hereafter) and its occupants have a long history in the case of Picos de Europa National Park (PENP). It is the only NP in Spain in which whole populations are within the protected space. There are many interests around a NP (scientific, economic, tourism and conservation), making the natural space difficult to manage. The study of cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Gamoneu and Cabrales, part of whose production is performed within the PNPE, collect this testimony of disagreements. During the years 2012 and 2014, 59 Interviews were conducted a members of both DOP, administrations and other agents involved in the conflict. The main results of the analysis show that settlers perceive the PN as imposed, which prioritises the needs of tourists and animals. Meanwhile PNPE insists that Legislation is very lax compared with other protected areas. The study aims to further knowledge about the origin of the conflict in almost a century.

Two hundred years of environmental change in Picos de Europa National Park inferred from sediments of Lago Enol, northern Iberia

We present a study of two short sediment cores recovered from Lago Enol, in the Picos de Europa National Park, Cantabrian Mountains, northern Iberia. We inferred past climate conditions and anthropogenic impacts using geochemical and biological (pollen and diatoms) variables in the dated sequences, in conjunction with temperature and precipitation data collected since 1871 at meteorological stations in the region. The record provides evidence of environmental changes during the last 200 years. At the end of the Little Ice Age (~1800–1875 AD) the region was characterized by an open landscape. Long-term use of the area for mixed livestock grazing in the mountains, and cultivation of rye during the nineteenth century, contributed to the expansion of grassland at the expense of forest. Warmer temperatures since the end of the nineteenth century are inferred from a change in diatom assemblages and development of the local forest. Socioeconomic transformation during the twentieth century, such as livestock changes related to dairy specialization, planting of non-native trees, mining activities, and management of the national park since its creation in 1918, caused profound changes in the catchment and in the lake ecology. The last several decades (~1970–2007 AD) of the Lago Enol sediment record are strikingly different from previous periods, indicating lower runoff and increasing lake productivity, particularly since AD 2000. Today, the large number of tourists who visit the area cause substantial impacts on this ecosystem.

Land-use, environment, and their impact on butterfly populations in a mountainous pastoral landscape: individual species distribution and abundance

Butterflies were studied, at the species level, in 47 mountain meadows in a 1.5 × 1.6 km study area in the Picos de Europa National Park, Spain. Butterfly transects were carried out on nine occasions in June and July 2004 and the summed data used in binary logistic and stepwise multiple regression analyses using 28 biotic and abiotic parameters. Models were created for 37 species in total: 24 using logistic regression and 24 with multiple regression; models from both approaches were obtained for 11 species. Abiotic factors dominated many analyses with factors such as proximity to water, aspect and altitude being prominent. Abiotic factors may reflect acceptable minimum conditions for presence of a species and interact with biotic factors to determine habitat quality. Classification of the meadows as either under hay or summer grazing management, or ‘winter grazing or abandoned’ was not particularly revealing probably due to inherent variability in management intensity within meadows and degree of abandonment. Features that reflected management influences, lack of management, disturbance, and sward condition featured in many analyses. Whilst many meadows are still actively managed, features that can be related to abandonment are evident for many species. The early stages of relaxation of management intensity can be positive for butterflies, but if management is not restored losses are likely as succession proceeds. The implications of this are briefly discussed.

Diversity of Water Beetles in Picos de Europa National Park, Spain: Inventory Completeness and Conservation Assessment

ABSTRACT The diversity of true water beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Helophoridae, Hydrochidae, Hydrophilidae, Hydraenidae, Elmidae, and Dryopidae) in Picos de Europa National Park (Cantabrian Mountains, Spain) was examined. Taking into account historic long-term sampling (all collections from 1882 to the present), a total of 117 species are recorded. Species accumulation models and non-parametric estimators were used to estimate the actual species richness of aquatic Coleoptera occurring in Picos de Europa National Park. Estimates were generated by analyzing both the collector's curve from the long-term sampling and the historic cumulative curve of species recorded from the park since 1882. Values of species richness estimated by different methods range from 127 to 170 species (mean = 148 ± 15 SD). Therefore, it seems that the current inventory has reached a reasonably good level of completeness as estimates indicate that about 80% of the water beetle fauna has already been record...

Outbreak of common midwife toad virus in alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris cyreni) and common midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) in Northern Spain: A comparative pathological study of an emerging ranavirus

This report describes the isolation and characterisation of the common midwife toad virus (CMTV) from juvenile alpine newts (Mesotriton alpestris cyreni) and common midwife toad (CMT) tadpoles (Alytes obstetricans) in the Picos de Europa National Park in Northern Spain in August 2008. A comparative pathological and immunohistochemical study was carried out using anti-CMTV polyclonal serum. In the kidneys, glomeruli had the most severe histological lesions in CMT tadpoles, while both glomeruli and renal tubular epithelial cells exhibited foci of necrosis in juvenile alpine newts. Viral antigens were detected by immunohistochemical labelling mainly in the kidneys of CMT tadpoles and in ganglia of juvenile alpine newts. This is the first report of ranavirus infection in the alpine newt, the second known species to be affected by CMTV in the past 2 years.

The last deglaciation in the Picos de Europa National Park (Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain)

AbstractA sedimentological and geochemical study of the Lago Enol sequence (Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain), together with detailed geomorphological mapping, provides a first record of glacier evolution and climate change over the last 40 ka in the Picos de Europa National Park. The Enol glacier retreated from its maximum extent prior to 40 ka BP as demonstrated by the onset of proglacial lacustrine sedimentation in two glaciated depressions: the Comella hollow to the north (before 40 ka BP) and the Lago Enol (before 38 ka BP). These results support previous evidence that the maximum extent of southern European glaciers occurred earlier than in northern Europe. Alternation of homogeneous and laminated proglacial sediments during the glacier retreat illustrate a dynamic glacial evolution during the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 (40–26 ka BP). A slight warming is detected at 26 ka ago with the change from proglacial sediments (in a lake located in contact to the glacier) to glaciolacustrine sedimentation (in a non‐contact or distal lake). Finally, the onset of organic‐rich sediments took place at 18 ka ago. This last transition occurred in two phases, similarly to the North Atlantic Last Termination, suggesting a link between North Atlantic Deep Water formation oscillations and palaeohydrological variability in the Cantabrian Mountains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Regional hotspots of butterfly diversity in a protected area: Are they indicators of unique assemblages and areas with more species of conservation concern?

The implementation of biodiversity studies to set conservation priorities assumes that the different criteria used in prioritisation are correlated. Based on butterfly data, we examined whether high total diversity (species density and richness), unique species assemblages, and high numbers of different categories of Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC) were co-located in the same habitats in the Picos de Europa National Park, Spain. Species density (number of species per sample) declined with elevation and was significantly higher in Genista shrublands on southern slopes (Southern Genista shrubland). We found unique species assemblages for Southern Genista shrublands, heathlands, mown meadows and subalpine meadows, whereas Genista shrubland on northern slopes (Northern Genista shrubland) and pastures were occupied by more habitat generalist species. We also found an effect of elevation on species composition. Species with global distributions concentrated in Europe (SPECs 4b) tended to be associated with Southern Genista shrubland, whereas species with global distributions restricted to Europe (SPECs 4a) were associated with higher elevations. Thus, we suggest a higher conservation value for butterfly assemblages located both on Southern Genista shrublands and at high elevations as they contain unique assemblages with a higher number of SPECs. By comparing our data with a previous study on carabid beetles, we found a low coincidence between butterflies and beetles for habitats with high species diversity and unique assemblages. Our study suggests that preserving areas in the landscape supporting higher butterfly diversity only partially preserves those species of greater conservation concern, and that butterflies cannot be used as a reliable indicator of other priority taxa for conservation, such as carabid beetles.

L'administration et la gestion durable des espaces naturels : le Parc national des «Picos des Europa»

Administration and the durable management of natural spaces : the national park of 'Picos de Europa ". The Use and Management Regulation Plan of Natural Spaces (PRUG of Natural Spaces) was intended as an efficient management instrument and not only as a merely declarative document. Therefore, together with programme planning, guidelines and the necessary measures to achieve the final goal, the Plan itself must draw a management plan that helps to implement the measures agreed on by the local actors in the territory. However, and regarding to the implementation of the PRUG of the Picos de Europa National Park, the lack of an integral concept, deficiencies in coordination, and a paucity of participation and support have been detected.

Assessment of geomorphosites in natural protected areas: the Picos de Europa National Park (Spain)

Le Parc National des Picos de Europa, situé dans la Cordillère cantabrique dans le nord de l’Espagne, est le plus ancien parc national du pays. Le paysage est caractérisé par des formes glaciaires et karstiques dans un environnement de haute montagne humide, qui subit des conditions climatiques océaniques et des changements environnementaux induits par les activités minières et touristiques. Cette étude a pour but de développer une méthode d’évaluation des géomorphosites applicable à des espaces naturels protégés à une échelle locale. Elle vise à fournir un inventaire, ainsi qu’une évaluation naturelle et culturelle orientée vers la gestion de ces géomorphosites. La méthode est fondée sur l’élaboration d’une carte géomorphologique détaillée afin d’identifier les formes et les processus et de reconstituer l’évolution du paysage. À partir de la carte géomorphologique détaillée, des fiches descriptives et analytiques sont établies pour chacun des géomorphosites sélectionnés. Elles indiquent les caractères morphologiques les plus importants tels que la morphostructure, le substratum, les formes du relief, les dynamiques observées, les éléments singuliers, la gestion, les caractéristiques culturelles héritées ou actuelles, la fragilité naturelle, l’utilisation du sol et la vulnérabilité. Les fiches précisent aussi les trois critères d’évaluation, scientifique, culturel et d’utilisation et de gestion, pris en compte. Dans cette étude, vingt-deux géomorphosites de taille et de catégories différentes sont évalués. Ils sont ensuite classés et comparés, puis des propositions d’utilisation potentielle et de conservation sont avancées.

Habitat-based conservation priorities for carabid beetles within the Picos de Europa National Park, northern Spain

Quick biodiversity studies on poorly studied taxa and areas are increasingly popular for setting conservation priorities over a wide range of spatial scales. However, the implementation of such studies is complicated by the variable extent to which the different criteria used in prioritisation are correlated to each other. Using methods of constrained ordination, we examined the species-habitat relationships of carabid beetles based on ground beetle assemblages from 22 sites in the Picos de Europa National Park, northern Spain. We found characteristic species assemblages for subalpine meadows, Genista shrublands, and pastures, whereas mown meadows, heathlands, beech and riparian woodlands were occupied by more habitat generalist species. Species associated with subalpine meadows and Genista shrublands tended to be mostly brachypterous and to have geographic ranges restricted to northern Spain. In contrast, we found no relationship between the degree of species' association with pastures and geographic range-wing size type. Although the species richness was higher in riparian woodlands and mown meadows, we suggest a higher conservation value for subalpine meadows and Genista shrublands across the landscape because they sustain characteristic assemblages dominated by species with restricted ranges and reduced powers of dispersal. Our study suggests that preserving areas in the landscape supporting higher biodiversity will not necessarily preserve those species potentially more susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation. It also supports the feasibility of biodiversity studies based on multivariate techniques for setting conservation priorities over complex landscapes.

Cantabrican mountain beechwoods: A survey and the case for their conservation

Beech forests are local in Spain and have several species at the southern limit of their range. The area studied, in the Valdeon Valley, extends to 1456 ha and is one of the largest in the area. It is considered important for flowering plants, birds, mammals and butterflies although other taxonomic groups have not been considered. It has been subject to light traditional management in the past but this has not damaged its ecological interest. A survey of 140 quadrats on several transects was ordinated and has revealed five main forest types, two of which are associated with streamsides. The others are mostly high forest on acid soils. These groups have been characterised in environmental terms (soil reaction, light, soil moisture, waterlogging and disturbance). The stands are generally uneven-aged with trees of 160–170 years and occasionally some of 200 years. All quadrats showed prolific regeneration of beech with seedlings and saplings of various ages, an observation which is somewhat contrary to other observations. The total number of species recorded in the survey was 158 with a range from 5 to 22 species per 1·5 × 1·5 m quadrat and an average of 18. Now that Spain has joined the European Economic Community many changes can be expected in agriculture and forestry. It will also permit certain areas to be set aside as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), Natural Parks or National Parks. This area, being the locus typicus of Atlantic montane beechwoods, is an excellent candidate for ESA status or as part of an expanded Picos de Europa National Park.

New meteoric iron : English Mechanics (1924, 120, 43)

Comeya peatland is located in Picos de Europa National Park (N. Spain) at 851 m above sea level, representing the continuous postglacial infill of a hollow (growth rate = 0.4 mm/yr) during the last 15,000 cal. yr BP. Three intervals can be distinguished in the profile: the bottom one, with ash content close to 90%, which is previous to the peatland installation in the area and is followed by an interval with oscillating ash content (30–60%) probably related to alluvial fan sedimentation. The uppermost one corresponds to the peat deposit with ash content generally close to 10%. The present day vegetation consists of Sphagnum species with herbaceous plants and heathers. The study comprises the analysis of some biomarkers with potential as palaeoenvironmental proxies quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, supported by bulk δ13C and δ15N isotopic. The biomarker assemblage is dominated by the n-alkanes and methyl-ketones with medium-to-high molecular weight and odd number of carbons. The biomarker ratios indicate an enrichment in Sphagnum characteristic compounds at 120–250 cm (3150–6350 cal. yr BP) reflecting more humid conditions. This episode coincides with higher C/N atomic ratio, higher values of δ13C and lower of δ15N. The wetter conditions of this interval are also shown by the depleted δD values of the n-alkane, particularly those related with mosses as (n-C23 and n-C25) and the enriched δ13C values of both n-alkanes and methyl-ketones.Segregation of δ13C values has been observed for homologues series in Comeya peat with medium molecular weight n-alkanes typical of mosses living in waterlogged environments, being enriched in δ13C values compared with higher molecular weight n-alkanes typical of woody and herbaceous plants of drier habitats. This study has shown a slight enrichment of δ13C values of methyl-ketones compared to n-alkanes, the differences being not conclusive to support a common or different origin for both compound classes.