Ecotone (confluence of ecosystems)
Ávila
Biologically, an ecotone is defined as the zone where two or more ecosystems converge, where individuals, species, or characteristics of any of the converging ecosystems can be found. In this way, we are in a place of great richness and abundance of species, a true biodiversity hotspot.
In the environment where we stand, we are surrounded by very diverse and easily identifiable ecosystems: on one side, the riparian forest, confined to the river’s course and its immediate surroundings; on the left bank of the Adaja, the ash grove takes prominence, with varying tree density, allowing other communities from open spaces to thrive; small and medium-sized livestock farms in this part of the area also add uniqueness; and finally, the agricultural landscape, which is more difficult to see because it stretches on the opposite side of the river, yet covers a large surface. Thus, as mentioned earlier, we can observe a vast number of species in a space such as this one.
