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Natural History
The Rock of Gibraltar is a giant slab of jagged Jurassic limestone.
It has dominated the Straits of Gibraltar for around 200 million
years and of course over such a period has continually changed and
evolved. The porous limestone ensures that the Rock always has a
plentiful water supply. So when nearby Spain is often arid and brown
the Rock will be lush and green.
At one time the rock was covered in natural woodland. Soldiers
and others cleared this in search of firewood. Today, the upper
reaches are essentially green again covered with shrubs and trees
such as nettle trees, carob, eucalyptus and wild olives. There are
also a wide variety of wild flowers including Gibraltar's own Candytuft
and Chickweed.
In the past red deer, wolves and wild boar would have made their
homes on the Rock. They may have disappeared but the teeming bird
life goes on with over 200 species having been recorded. Many of
these are migratory birds whose habits have been unchanged by time.
The Barbary Apes
Nobody knows how the famous tailless Macaques came to be on the
Rock. They certainly have brothers and sisters across the Straits
on Mont Abyla. However, Mr F E Zeuner believes they are true ancient
Europeans. In the scientific journal Oryx he said that ten million
years ago Macaques roamed across France, Holland and Germany. He
believes the onset of the iceage may have driven them south with
the last traces of them found nestling on Gibraltar's rock.
Legend says that when the apes leave the Rock so too will the
British. During World War II, when Sir Winston Churchill heard there
were only seven apes left on Gibraltar, he hurriedly had another
seven brought in from North Africa.
There currently are six troops of Macaques and they can be viewed
at the Apes' Den at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The best way
to reach it is either by the Cable Car or on one of the Rock Tours.
The Cable Car is situated at Grand Parade and operates
between 0930 and 1800. Closed Sundays. Rock
Tours
Rock Tours are operated by Blands (Tel: 79200) and also by the
Gibraltar Taxi Association (Tel: 70027). Dolphins
& Whales
There are three species of dolphin commonly found in the Bay and
Straits of Gibraltar. They are the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin
and the larger Bottle-nosed Dolphin. There are numerous dolphin-watching
trips on offer and it is not unusually to be able to see these fascinating
creatures close up. Much rarer is the sighting of whales. They do
also migrate here including the largest mammal of all, the Blue
Whale. However, sadly, such sightings are not common today.
Dolphin Watching Trips
- Dolphin Safari, Marina Bay - Tel: 71914
- Pride of Gibraltar, Queensway Quay - Tel: 48684
- Jolly Joevan, Watergardens Quay - Tel: 74430
- Nimo, Queensway Quay - Tel: 73719
- Nautilus, Admirals Walk, Marina Bay - Tel: 73400
- Dolphin World, Admirals Walk, Marina Bay - Tel:
Mobile 54481000.
Bird Watching
As the Straits of Gibraltar are the narrowest crossing point for
birds migrating to and from Europe to Africa the Rock offers unrivalled
bird watching opportunities. Gibraltar also has its permanent residents
such as the Barbary Partridge, which originally was only to be found
in North Africa.
Griffon Vultures
Several of the few colonies in Southern Europe of these birds
are found in the nearby Campo de Gibraltar area of Spain. Storks
can also be seen and these too have their nests just across the
border with a large number of them nesting on electricity pylons
at Estacion de San Roque railway container yard.
The
Botanic Gardens
The beautiful Alameda Gardens were first opened in 1816. Around
the gardens are a number of commemorative busts and cannons dating
from the 19th century. Chief attraction are the splendid plants
and trees some of which are native to the Rock whilst others have
been imported. The Gardens are open from 0800 to dusk daily. Admission
is free.
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