Observations by jdelgadoesteban

Abies pinsapo the Alpine Fir that never left Andalucia

Once upon a time, in the distant past, during the Pleistocene epoch, the Earth was experiencing a period of intense glaciation known as the Last Glacial Maximum.

This icy period was characterized by a significant drop in temperature, resulting in the formation of massive ice sheets that covered much of the Earth's surface.

As these colossal glaciers advanced southwards, they reached the southern regions of Spain bringing a wide range of alpine tree species.

The Abies pinsapo is a remarkable and unique species that has been around for millions of years. It is believed to have originated in the Tethys Sea region, an ancient body of water that was once located between Europe and Africa.

Over time, as the Earth's continents shifted and collided, the Abies pinsapo was able to migrate to the Iberian Peninsula and establish itself in the high mountains of Andalusia.

During the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, the Abies pinsapo faced the challenge of adapting to the harsh and unforgiving and rapidly changing climate of southern Spain.

While other alpine tree species perished the Abies pinsapo was able to survive by retreating to the higher elevations of very geographically isolated mountain ranges of modern day Cadiz and Malaga where the north Atlantic storms would drop their massive water loads after hitting the high peaks of Sierra de Ronda and Sierra de Cadiz.

It is thought that the tree's ability to tolerate extreme drought conditions allowed it to endure the harsh conditions of the end of last ice age.

Today, the Abies pinsapo is the king of the sierras, still present in the mountains of Andalusia, an alpine tree that never left Amdalucia where it continues to thrive and play a vital role in the local ecosystem of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sierra de Grazalema in Cadiz, The millenarian and world renown Pinsapar as well as in Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja in Malaga.

As for humans Its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and withstand the test of time is a testament to its remarkable resilience and strength. Also as for humans this ability is now being tested with the actual climate crisis.

During our time in Sierra de Grazalema we have fallen in love with the Abies pinsapo a unique and fascinating species that has a rich and ancient history and a remarkable story to tell.

Its origins and survival through the Last Glacial Maximum are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of life on Earth, and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural world.