are skerries. Biosphere reserve Since 1988 the archipelago has been declared a wildlife reserve. It is as an optimal place for the reproductive activities of certain sea birds. The local colony of Audouin's gulls (which is a species listed as Near Threatened globally) is one of the most important in the world and key to the species ongoing recovery in the Spanish Mediterranean. The islets are also home for one of the major stable populations of Eleanora's falcon in Spain. Besides, the islets are very important during spring and autumn bird migrations, since many different species who follow the Spanish Mediterranean coast in the course of their migration use them as a brief stop in order to rest. Due to its isolation, the islands are inhabited by an endemic subspecies of small lizard, Podarcis hispanicus atratus. There is also an endemic subspecies of Lobularia maritima in the local flora. After being given the Natural Park status, pigs were eradicated. Also, the lighthouse is now automatic, which reduces the human presence only to the one of biologists assigned to the park's management. The submerged area around the islands is as relevant in terms of conservation as the area above the surface. It covers an area of where an important community of submarine wildlife thrives undisturbed. It became protected as a Marine reserve in 1990. Footnotes References External links Official site of the Natural Park Official site of the Spanish Marine Reserves, including the Columbretes Fauna and description Marine prey in the diet of Podarcis atrata from the Columbretes Islands Islas o Islotes Columbretes (spanish) Islands of Spain Natural parks of Spain Natural parks of the Valencian Community Landforms of the Valencian Community Plana Alta Seabird colonies Protected areas established in 1988 Marine reserves of Spain Protected areas of the Valencian Community Balearic Sea Uninhabited islands of Spain Volcanoes of Spain Volcanoes of the Mediterranean Sea