Geography, climate and nature
The
county of Bajo Martín is located in a steppe area, midway between the
mountains of Teruel and the Ebro Valley. Its average level above the sea is
close to 600 metres. Its total surface is 796 km2 and it has a population
of 7.274. It is a small county, crossed by the rivers Martín and Aguasvivas,
whose shores wash these villages.
The climate is dry and sunny, with hot winters followed by cold summers.
Its most defining characteristics is the lack of rain. The landscape is typical
of the Aragonese steppe, only changing in the foothills of the Sierra de Arcos,
where it is more humid and wooded.
As a result of this extreme climate the countryside is bare of trees or bushes.
Around 50% of the territory is arable land, compared to only 13% of woods,
mostly consisting of aleppo pines and savin trees. Olive trees, almond trees
and fruit trees are other typical plants in the area.
The steppe areas have been included in the Natura 2000 Network, due to the presence of numerous reptiles and birds. Among them, we can find large colonies of griffon vultures, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and Egyptian vultures. In arable areas we can see, among other species, partridges, thrushes, turtledoves and swifts. In the forests we can find wild boars and mountain goats, particularly inside the Cultural Park of the river Martín.
Comarca del Bajo Martín
C/ Sta. Rosa 8. 44530 Hijar. (Teruel)
Tel. (+34) 978 820 126
