The Natural Environment of Ibiza

The natural environment of Ibiza is influenced both by Spain but also has a taste of Italy and islands such as Sardinia. Ibiza and Formentera are named the Pityouses after the pine trees, Pinus Halepensis, Juniperus Phoenicia, that grow abundantly on the land.

The Las Salinas salt flats form part of Las Salinas de Ibiza y Formentera Nature Reserve,
and are located between San Jorge and the Ses Salines beaches in the south of the island, close to the airport. They are considered wetlands of International Importance.

Salt production began with the Carthaginians and was once a significant source of income on the island and to this day the salt pans remove the "white gold" from the sea as it evaporates under the hot summer sun.

Posidonia sea grasses grow abundantly in the shallow seas between Ibiza and Formentera and offer many fish species an excellent place to hatch their eggs. The grasses clean and oxygenate the waters, helping protect the coast and coral reefs, benefiting both the famous Balearic azure waters as well as the quality of the salt collected in the salt flats.

On the land the area is home to 11 species of endemic plant and areas of Pine and Juniper Forest. Juniper once formed a large proportion of the natural forest within the Mediterranean area. Rosemary, Thyme and Ollastre grow wild beneath the trees and where the land is too dry and rocky for much else to grow.

Fig, olive and almond trees as well as citrus trees and apricots are grown on the island. There is also small scale production of vegetables. In spring the fields bloom with wild, grapes

The area is also home to the rare Monk seal, 11 species of reptile and 56 species of invertebrates. 170 species of migratory birds have been recorded in the coastal lagoons and saltworks in the area.
Ibiza is not all beach and late nights it is also home to some wonderful wildlife and lets hope that Ibiza's environments many benefits to tourism will help sustain these natural resources for many generations of our children.

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