Punta Entinas-Sabinar

Punta Entinas-Sabinar is a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem in which the combination of coastal and terrestrial biotypes stands out. It is situated on the western coast of the province of Almería on a coastal strip which extends from the Punta de Entinas to the saltworks, called Viejas.

With average annual temperatures over 18°C and average yearly rainfall between 200 and 250 mm, in its 785 hectares of Nature Reserve, it is possible to differentiate the four main biotypes: sandy beaches, a system of dunes fixed with Mediterranean scrub, a marshy area and the saltworks area (Cerrillos and Viejas saltworks).

On the outside edge of the beaches there are Ammophilia arenaria. The most common bushes of the area are the black junipers (Juniperus phoenicea), the lentiscus (Pistacia lentiscus), Thymelaea hirsuta and the black hawthorn (Rhamnus lycioides).

The diversity of biotypes favours the presence and abundance of vertebrates. As well as the presence of flamingos, the variety and number of the plover family which use this area as a resting place on their migratory route is noticeable, especially the large, common, small and tridactyl curlew sandpipers and redshanks. Among the seagulls the species of Audouin (Larus audouinii) and Larus minutus stand out.