Category Archives: Iberian Lynx

The Iberian lynx, is one of the most endangered wild cat species in the world.

The lynx was once widespread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, but habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations led to its near-extinction. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, the lynx population has slowly increased in recent years, but it is still considered critically endangered.

The lynx is a symbol of conservation efforts in Spain and has become a flagship species for the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems. A fascinating and iconic animal that holds a special place in the hearts of many nature lovers and conservationists around the world.

Birdwatching Trips, Companies running activity holidays in Spain, Guided Tours in Spain, Iberian Lynx, Wildlife Holidays

Wildmoral wildlife tours

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Wildmoral wildlife tours specialize in a range of locations in Spain and their nature tourism offerings encompass:

  • Wildlife watching tours
  • Photography tours
  • Interpretive walking
  • Wildlife watching trails
  • Tracking days
  • Photography courses
  • Nature orientated family activities.
Lynx watching from a hide in Andújar (Andalucia)

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Mediterranean forest and capture stunning photographs of the magnificent Iberian lynx from a specialized hide.

Wildmoral lynx tours

Located in the serene countryside of Andújar, Jaén, this hide offers a prime vantage point in a clearing, where lynxes frequently cross while on the move or hunting. With its spacious window and comfortable setup for up to 5 photographers, you can observe the lynxes natural behavior while remaining hidden, ensuring an unforgettable photography experience.

Bear watching in the Somiedo Natural Park (Asturias)

This tour takes place in the Somiedo Natural Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe the majestic Cantabrian brown bear and other wildlife.

Wildmoral bear tours

Based in Pola de Somieda, Asturias, a prime location for bear sightings, Wildmoral provide up to four observation points equipped with telescopes. While sightings depend on day to day conditions, there are options to explore stunning trails, keeping an eye out for chamois, red deer, roe deer, wildcats, wild boar, and possibly even Iberian wolves.

You can choose an all-inclusive option or, if you are in the area you can join in with scheduled activities.

Wolf watching in the Sierra de Culebra (Castilla y Leon)

The Sierra de la Culebra mountain area in Zamora is known for its dense population of Iberian wolves and long-standing family groups. there are four observation sessions at key spots equipped with telescopes, offering a chance to witness these magnificent creatures.

Wildmoral wolf tours

While encounters depend on nature and its conditions, there are also outings for tracking trails, learning how to identify Iberian wolf tracks and exploring the local wildlife. Also included is a visit the Iberian Wolf Centre in Puebla de Sanabria for a guided tour, where you’ll gain valuable insights into the animals’ behavior, their relationship with humans, and the opportunity to observe them in semi-freedom.

You can choose an all-inclusive option or, if you are in the area you can join in with scheduled activities.

Photography hides across Spain

For those seeking a closer connection with nature, Wildmoral also provide a selection of photography hides. These hides offer a unique opportunity to capture unforgettable moments and take photographs of the wildlife.

See our dedicated page for Wildlife hides in Spain here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/finding-wildlife-photography-hides-in-spain/

Contact details for Wildmoral wildlife tours
Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!

Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.

Birdlife of Spain, Focus on, Guided Tours in Spain, Iberian Lynx, Nature Notes, Wildlife Holidays

Finding wildlife photography hides in Spain

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Discover the best hide photography opportunities in Spain with our guide to wildlife photography hides. These popular photo hides offer the chance to capture stunning shots of Spain’s most iconic wildlife species, from the comfort of a small, exclusive hide. With capacities for just 2-4 people, reservations are essential to secure your spot. Prices for a day’s photography typically range from €80-€150, with some peak times costing up to €300.

The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve
Campanarios de Azaba biological reserve (Salmanca)
Campanarios de Azaba biological reserve (Salmanca)
Campanarios de Azaba biological reserve (Salmanca)

One of the finest places to visit in Spain, The Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve has excellent accommodation and spectacular hides to keep birding photographers and wildlife enthusiasts very happy! Nestled in the picturesque province of Salamanca, close to the border with Portugal, this enchanting haven offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of unspoiled Mediterranean forests, lush meadows, and thriving ecosystems. Read more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/campanarios-de-azaba-biological-reserve-salmanca/

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Iberian Lynx, Mammals of Spain, Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Iberian Lynx News Roundup 2023: Positive Census Results and Conservation Efforts

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The recently published 2022 Iberian lynx census brings great news from Portugal and Spain. The total lynx population now stands at 1,668, including 1,105 adults and immatures, along with 563 cubs. Notably, the census records 326 reproductive or “territorial” females. This Iberian Lynx News Roundup 2023 has been translated from the official Life LYNXCONNECT project website.

Read about the Iberian Lynx in more details here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/iberian-lynx-lynx-pardinus-lince-iberico/

Life LYNXCONNECT Conservation project

Achieving the conservation goal of moving the Iberian lynx from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’ status, as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, requires 750 breeding females in the wild. If this target is reached, it would represent a remarkable recovery of this critically endangered species.

Continue reading Iberian Lynx News Roundup 2023: Positive Census Results and Conservation Efforts →
Iberian Lynx, Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Second lynx in a week dead after being hit by a car on a road in Doñana.

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I’m not a one to normally rant in my articles and wildlife news briefs but this one provokes me to make a few harsh points. This is the second lynx in a week dead after being hit by a car on a road in Doñana in the Aljarafe-Doñana region.

Is this really the “grande” plan and what they release the lynx for? Where are the wildlife crossings on busy roads? Why are some of the roads even there? Doñana is effectively a prison. It is impermeably surrounded by roads, fences, ignorance, and a local population insensitivity even with the hundreds of millions of EU funding it has received over the years.

Doñana would be better served as a breeding area for the lynx that could be translocated to areas more suitable to its survival. where a “motorway” doesn’t run through its territory. Without any projects that ensure connectivity in the peripheral area of Doñana for example to the Sierra Morena, Iberian lynx in Doñana are just going to keep getting killed by cars.

Ecologistas en acción believe that “it is essential to raise awareness among the population with environmental education campaigns” But, what on earth have the more than 200 employees at the Doñana national park been doing then for the last few decades! Nobody takes the blame, nobody resigns and nobody ever gets sacked. It’s disgraceful!

How did the second lynx die?
Second lynx in a week dead after being hit by a car on a road in Doñana.
Second lynx in a week dead after being hit by a car on a road in Doñana. Photo from Twitter Juanma Moreno

“Kadir”, the lynx that died was the adult male territorial lynx of the area and was ten years old. “Kadir” was born in 2013 in La Puebla del Río (Seville) and during these ten years he has occupied different territories.

The animal died on the A-481 road, which connects the towns of Hinojos and Villamanrique, the same road where another lynx died last Monday.

Ecologistas en Acción have been calling for speed bumps and speed controls for a very long time commenting that “Breeding lynx in captivity and releasing them is simply not enough“. The Andalusian government has installed screens warning of the danger of accidents and speed limit signs, but “they are not being complied with“.

As in the previous accident, the animal hit was an adult male, according to Ecologistas en Acción. The animal’s body has been taken to the Center for Analysis and Diagnosis of Wildlife (CAD) of the Andalusian Regional Government, for a necropsy.

The environmental organization reports that “many lynx have died on this road, which is considered a black spot in the area.” Ecologistas en Acción believes that “all black spots” must be addressed, stating that “breeding lynx in captivity and releasing them is not enough. They are being sent, literally, to a slaughterhouse,” says the organization.

Ecologistas en Acción believes that Europe must take action in this situation: “A lot of money has been spent on the respective Life Programs for the Iberian lynx, and if there is no capacity to correct the black spots, we consider it a waste of public money.”

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.