Mixed mountain forests of the Ordesa-Viñamala Biosphere Reserve, Pyrenees

Temperate deciduous or temperate broad-leaf forests are dominated by trees that lose their leaves each winter. They are found in areas with warm moist summers and cool winters. Examples of typical trees in the Northern Hemisphere`s deciduous forests include oak, maple, beech and elm. The diversity of tree species is higher in regions where the winter is milder, and also in mountainous regions that provide an array of soil types and microclimates. The Pyrenees range extends from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast, and contains high levels of biodiversity including over 200 endemic plant species. Endangered fauna includes the brown bear Ursus arctos and the lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus. Although there are still pristine habitat areas, they are threatened by massive tourism, unsustainable logging, winter resorts and road development, dam building, and a high hunting pressure, amongst other impacts.

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