Islas Chafarinas

The Chafarinas Islands have been protected as a National Hunting Refuge since 1982, making them a natural area that is legally safeguarded. However, this North African enclave has been under Spanish sovereignty since 1848 and has a military status that imposes restrictions on activities. The Chafarinas exhibit a diverse range of unique characteristics and endemic species, reflecting both Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. The exceptional natural conditions in various aspects not only determine the presence of communities and species but also represent the extreme end of the range for some relevant species, such as Posidonia oceanica. For instance, Elisella paraplexauroides can be found at depths of less than 25 metres, which is a situation that very rarely occurs elsewhere. Important colony of Larus audouinii, the second most important colony in the world. The presence of Posidonia meadows, gorgonian meadows, and ichthyofauna are noteworthy due to their good state of development and conservation.