Biodiversity data
at the Genal
Amphibians surveys
We participate in the Spanish Amphibian and Reptile Monitoring Scheme (SARE) organized by the Spanish Herpetological Association since 2008.
PROTOCOL: Census at amphibian breeding sites. Four visits per year.
Butterflies surveys
We contribute to the Spanish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS), in operation in mainland Europe since 1990, and in the UK since 1976.
PROTOCOL: A 2 km long transect around the Genal Field Station. At least 10 transects a year. Extra 15′ period counts.
Polininator insects surveys
Data stored at Observation.org
We began a study of local pollination following the SPIPOLL methodology, a citizen science program developed in France since 2001.
PROTOCOL: Follow-up of a flowering plant species (within a radius of 5 meters) for 20 minutes photographing all the insect taxa present.
Aquatic macro-invertebrates surveys
River water quality is assessed with the standardized Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party (IBMWP) methodology. We also participate to “Andarríos”, the Andalusian rivers citizen science program.
PROTOCOL: collection of aquatic macro-invertebrates in 100 meters long stretches of rivers (Genal, Guadiaro, Hozgarganta).
Dragonflies surveys
We have organized the Andalusian Dragonfly Recording Scheme (ROLA) since 2009.
Assessing the presence of odonates in streches of the Genal, Guadiaro and Hozgarganta rivers and several ponds and lagoons.
Nocturnal insects at GFS
We regularly place a light trap at the Genal Field Station, sharing photos and material with specialists in various taxonomic groups.
Biodiversity survey
Data available at Observation.org – Vascular Flora at project Anthos
We document biodiversity in natural areas of interest, especially those that are not currently protected.
All interested parties can participate with their photos and observations on the Observed Andalusia page.
Biodiversidad Virtual check-point
The Genal Field Station is located next to the town of Benarraba, in the Serranía de Ronda, surrounded by a mixed forest, where cork oaks predominate, and small orchards.
We collaborate with Biodiversidad Virtual, the oldest platform in Spain for citizen science and biodiversity, by posting photos of species present in the GFS, Punto BV nº 158.
Citizen science databases on the Internet
Citizen science initiatives on the web are the easiest way to know which species have been recently reported at the Genal and surrounding areas. Our project seeks to contribute most actively to Observation.org.
Bibliography on biodiversity of the Genal Valley
We gather the information published to date on the biodiversity of the Genal Valley and the Serranía de Ronda to incorporate it into a database.
Point out the essential reference (two parts): Genal River Valley Floristic Catalog – 2003 – 2005 – by Gavira and Latorre.
All interested parties can send articles for reference.
Area to access data generated by the project.
All interested parties can contribute to the project, inhabitants of the area, students wanting to make a stay in the place, and travelers passing through.
We appreciate the collaboration of naturalists and specialists. This initiative is pluralistic and its advancement rests largely on the power of collective effort.