A naturalist in the Montnegre

The Montnegre Natural Park is a mountain range up to 800 meters high located near the coast. By having high humidity favors the growth of a lush, dark forest that gives the name (Montnegre it means Black Mount). But this darkness is not only observed from a distance but also from within the same forest. The environmental educator Joan Manuel Riera explains the ecological differences between holm oak and pine. It also explains the ancient coexistence between man and wildlife. Barn owls are nocturnal raptors that breed in the attic of hamlets and chapels. Although they are very discreet, they can be found from their pellets. There are, however, other more elusive inhabitants, like nocturnal carnivores. Ignasi Torre from the Museum of Granollers, explains how to observe them with the technique of camera trapping. The night is also the period of maximum activity of many amphibians, so avoid desiccation by the sun. The reporter Pere Renom accompanying the Park Ranger Pep Pannon to inspect a pond. They discover a salamander giving birth and green tritons mating. With field work like this it is being cataloged all the flora and fauna of the park. The other major attraction of the park are the megalithic monuments, archaeological remains that testify to human presence in Montnegre over 5,000 years ago.