Plans to improve the Almeria railway network goes at a tortoises pace

MEASURES to improve the railway infrastructure in Almeria have been delayed due to native tortoises in Levante. 

A new high-speed train route is having to be re-thought as the protected area where it was originally planned is, in fact, home to the endangered Spur-thighed tortoise. 

Almeria senator Eugenio Gonzalvez and national party representative Juan Jose Matari have been in talks with the Infrastructure State Secretary Julio Gomez Pomar to discuss key issues relating to the railway infrastructures in the province of Almeria. It is in the hope of improving and building extra track between Pulpi and Cuevas del Almanzora without too much disruption to the ´at risk´ tortoise population.   

The Spur-thighed tortoise has only three habitats in its native Spain, two of which are in the Almeria province and the other in Mallorca. It appears on the catalogue of endangered species. 

Eugenio Gonzalvez stated that the new demands of the Almeria Railway Board will be sent to the Development Ministry. Improvements to the level crossing in Gador were also discussed.