Category Archives: Nature Notes

Birdwatching Trips, Global geoparks in Spain, Guided Tours in Spain, National Parks of Spain, Natural Parks in Spain, Nature Notes, Walking Holidays, Wildlife Holidays

Discover Wildlife Watching in Spain: A Journey into Nature’s Heart

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Discover wildlife watching in Spain and embark on an extraordinary adventure, where the wonders of wildlife await you. Delve into the heart of nature as you witness the splendor of our most cherished creatures in their natural habitats: the majestic brown bear, the regal Spanish imperial eagle, the awe-inspiring lammergeier, the elusive Iberian lynx, and the enigmatic Iberian wolf. Immerse yourself in magical experiences set amidst accessible landscapes and uncover the secrets of many successful conservation programs, dedicated to preserving these precious species.

Aiming for the Return of the Iberian Lynx in Aragón
Iberian lynx
Wildlife watching in Spain

In Spain, birdwatching becomes a thrilling pursuit, with the country’s strategic location between Africa and Europe attracting millions of migratory birds and boasting numerous globally unique species. Prepare to be captivated by the wealth of biodiversity that spans across the nation. With over 1,500 protected areas—comprising a quarter of the country—Spain offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration. Dive into the depths surrounded by fields of posidonia oceanica seagrass, sail alongside playful dolphins and majestic whales, and gaze upon the stars from breathtaking vantage points. The options are as diverse as they are enchanting.

Black Vulture - aegypius monachus - Birds and Birdwatching in Spain
Black Vulture – aegypius monachus

Journey through Spain’s national and natural parks and embark on an unforgettable odyssey. From the dramatic alpine landscapes to the lush Mediterranean forests, each park offers a unique experience tailored to every adventurer. Discover the beauty and magic of lakes, valleys, and mountains beyond your wildest dreams. Recognized by UNESCO for its abundance of biosphere reserves and geoparks, Spain stands as a beacon of environmental preservation and sustainable development. Within its borders you’ll find numerous Protected Natural Areas that adhere to the principles of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), ensuring a harmonious coexistence with nature.

The Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema - Walking and Wildlife Holidays in Spain
The Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve, this is due to the diverse geography with high limestone mountains and deep gorges such as Garganta Verde
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Moths, Nature Notes

Dangers of Pine Processionary Caterpillars

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When in Spain many people may wonder about scorpions, spiders and venomous snakes and will not be aware that they are much more likely to endanger themselves and their pets by getting too close to an innocent looking line of caterpillars that can be found crossing a pavement, road or footpath during the first months of the year. So, what are the dangers of Pine Processionary Caterpillars?

First lets learn a bit about their lifecycle.
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Bees and Wasps, Nature Notes, Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Repopulating Spain with Iberian Bees: The Smart Green Initiative

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The Spanish bee, or Apis mellifera iberica, is a subspecies of western honey bee native to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. It is a dark-colored bee with low swarming tendency and high vigor, and it adapts well to the region’s climatic and floral conditions.

Despite its somewhat nervous and aggressive behavior, which allows it to defend itself better from predators and parasites, this subspecies is endangered due to several threats. These include the introduction of other foreign breeds, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The Spanish bee, though, still plays a crucial role as one of the most important pollinators in the region.

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Companies running activity holidays in Spain, National Parks of Spain, Natural Parks in Andalucia, Nature Notes, Wildlife Holidays

The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia

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The Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalusia is a section of the Betic Cordillera and runs parallel to the Mediterranean sea for around 100km.

The temperature range is dramatic with the summits under snow for many months, followed by a hot Mediterranean style summer. This creates special microclimates across the exposed rocky summits, glacial lakes, sheer sided gorges, mixed oak woods, pine woods and fast rivers with wooded banks.

Declared a National Park in 1998 and encompassing an area of 86,208 hectares it is a popular destination throughout the year. It holds an exceptional variety of animal and plant life due to the combination of altitude and its proximity to the Mediterranean sea.

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Find a hotel in the area

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