Local Natural Monument of the Ota Karstic Canyon

Category: Nature > Mountains

District: Lisboa > Alenquer > Ota

Location

The Ota Karstic Canyon Local Natural Monument is located in the village of Ota, within the municipality of Alenquer, and is an integral part of the imposing Montejunto Mountain Range. This mountain range, recognized as the highest point in Estremadura, reaching an altitude of 666 meters, provides a natural setting of great scenic value. The canyon area is set in a territory where the landscape is markedly shaped by limestone formations, offering views of a natural environment of great uniqueness, between the coast and the Tagus valley.

The Karstic Landscape

The canyon in Ota is a notable example of the geological formations characteristic of the Estremadura Limestone Massif, to which the Montejunto Mountain Range belongs. Over millions of years, the interaction of rainwater with limestone rocks has sculpted a unique landscape. The permeability of the limestone allowed water infiltration, creating a network of underground passages, while on the surface, deep valleys and steep escarpments were formed. Thus, this canyon is an impressive demonstration of natural erosion, which resulted in rocky walls and formations that pique visitors' curiosity, inviting contemplation of the power of nature.

Biodiversity and Natural Environment

The natural environment of the Ota Karstic Canyon is a refuge for diverse forms of life, adapted to the specific conditions of limestone terrains. The area's vegetation includes species that thrive in this type of soil, such as elements of the Mediterranean forest and flora that may be endemic to the region. In addition to the flora, the site stands out for its importance to fauna, particularly for chiropterans, known as bats. The natural caves and crevices present in the mountain range, and by extension in this canyon area, are crucial for the hibernation and reproduction of various colonies, such as the greater mouse-eared bat and the Bechstein's bat, significantly contributing to the ecological richness of this natural monument.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt