Natural Reserve of Montana Roja (El Médano)
El Médano is a little village on Tenerife's south coast. Beside growing tourism it has some areas worth to be protected for nature, specially for birds. The area of Montana Roja has become a Special
Natural Reserve and is Bird Area of International Importance (IBA n° 372). More than a hundred species of birds have been seen in this place, although you will be disappointed if you hope to see hundreds of birds
at one sight.
Montana Roja, a red rock volcano (171m), gives a spectacular sight over the bay of El Médano (to and from). At it's food are breeding areas and the rocky costal strip on both sides of the fine sandy
Bay are feeding areas for see birds. Behind the south end of the Bay is a small coastal lagoon. Here you find a good opportunity to watch shorebirds, even rare species like Kentish and Ringed Plovers.
SEO/Birdlive and the Cabildo of Tenerife (central administration of the island) started in 1997 a series of actions aimed at the protection and restoration of this natural place. Fore instance
existing tracks have been closed and covered with soil. Some signs ask for attention. But still you will see people walking with their dogs without leash through protected zones.
BRIC will give it's attention to this project of natural protection.
For the moment please see some images for illustration.
If you have further information about bird life in Tenerife and ecological problems in its south please contact us.
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