Category Archives: Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Illas Atlánticas to Eradicate Acacias, Enhancing Forest Management to Mitigate Fire Risks

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The Atlantic Islands National Park of Galicia, known as Illas Atlánticas, is taking decisive action to address the threat posed by Acacia melanoxylon, an invasive species known to exacerbate forest fires. This initiative is part of a broader state forest management program aimed at safeguarding Spain’s most environmentally valuable areas. By eradicating acacias and implementing improved forest management practices, the National Park seeks to reduce the risk of fires and preserve its unique ecosystems.

Read about the Islas Atlánticas national park here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/islas-atlanticas-national-park/

The Threat of Acacia Proliferation

The proliferation of Acacia melanoxylon poses a significant concern for Illas Atlánticas due to its rapid spread, which can lead to environmental catastrophes on islands like Cíes, Ons, and Cortegada. Not only does the invasion of acacias threaten native flora and fauna, but it also alters the structure of forest masses, jeopardizing the biodiversity of these pristine islands.

Continue reading Illas Atlánticas to Eradicate Acacias, Enhancing Forest Management to Mitigate Fire Risks →
Birdlife of Spain, Spain Wildlife News and Updates, Wildlife

Black Vultures in Spain. Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis and GREFA’s Conservation Odyssey

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In the heart of the Iberian Highlands, the resurgence of black vultures in Spain unfolds through dedicated conservation efforts. In Alto Tajo Nature Park and the Sierra de la Demanda, new nests signify a strategic push to reintroduce these majestic raptors. With support from the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha, Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis, and GREFA, the black vulture’s return becomes a compelling narrative of successful collaboration.

Continue reading Black Vultures in Spain. Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis and GREFA’s Conservation Odyssey →
Invasive species in Spain, Spain Wildlife News and Updates, Wildlife

Lost Heritage: Cochineal and the Endangered Prickly Pear in Spain

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In recent years, the uncontrolled spread of the Cochineal, Dactylopius coccus (Cochinilla del Carmin) has led to the near disappearance of the prickly pear (higo chumbo) in Spain.

Historical Significance

The introduced prickly pear (Opuntia maxima), originating from Central America, has played a vital role for centuries. It served various purposes, including being a source of food (prickly pears, higo chumbos), livestock feed, agricultural support, slope stabilization, and hedges.

Continue reading Lost Heritage: Cochineal and the Endangered Prickly Pear in Spain →
National Parks in Madrid, Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Expanding Horizons: The Proposal to Expand the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

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On December 11 2023, the formal request for the expansion of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park was made by the Community of Madrid.

In October 2023, the Término del Paular farm in the municipality of Rascafría was acquired by the Community of Madrid. The motivation behind this purchase was its proximity to the national park and the natural values it possesses. The acquisition aims to diversify the representation of natural systems in the park and on the network.

Expanding Horizons: The Proposal to Enrich the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

With the inclusion of the Término de Paular property, other lands adjacent to the park, namely public utility mountains No. 140 and 141 (Perimeter de Aguirre) in the municipalities of Miraflores de la Sierra and Soto del Real, and No. 131 (Perimeter of Lozoya), have been requested for inclusion by the Community of Madrid. These mountains, owned by the Community of Madrid, are partially included in the national park. Full inclusion is sought due to similar or greater natural values in the excluded areas, enhancing the definition of the park’s limits.

Finally, the Autonomous Organization of National Parks has been asked to include the entire Cabeza de Hierro mountain, the heart of the national park, which wasn’t incorporated earlier due to private ownership objections. Now state-owned, it is proposed to consider its full inclusion in the park.

The expansion proposal contributes 3,048.17 hectares to the national park, representing an 8.97% increase in the total area of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and a 14.04% increase in the park’s surface in the Community of Madrid.

  • Nature’s Tapestry: Extending Sierra de Guadarrama’s Boundaries.
  • Beyond Borders: The Vision for a Larger National Park.
  • Preserving Paradise: The Community of Madrid’s Park Expansion Plan.
  • Sierra Symphony: A Proposal for Enlarging Nature’s Stage.
  • In Harmony with Nature: Unveiling the Sierra de Guadarrama Expansion.
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Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

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Planning on visiting Cádiz? Tourist information. Monuments. Hotels. Activities. City guides: https://visitingcadiz.com/

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