Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Stay informed with the latest news and updates on Spain’s wildlife. From conservation efforts and species sightings to environmental initiatives, this category covers all the important developments affecting Spain’s natural habitats. Learn about rare and endangered species, ecological research, and initiatives that protect the Iberian Peninsula’s biodiversity. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, birders, and conservationists looking to stay connected with Spain’s wildlife.

The Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the LIFE Aegypius Return project in Spain

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Black Vulture - aegypius monachus - Birds and Birdwatching in Spain

The Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus), the largest of the Iberian vultures, is a strictly forest-dwelling bird, closely linked to the vast expanses of Mediterranean forest and scrub that cover the slopes of the western and central mountains of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Read on to find out about The Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the LIFE Aegypius Return project in Spain

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The Brown Bear Population in the Cantabrian Mountains: Facts and Controversies

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Wildmoral bear tours

The brown bear population in the Cantabrian Mountains has been a topic of significant discussion and research. Recent data and conflicting reports have sparked debates about the true state of the population and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This article aims to consolidate information from two contradictory reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the … Read more

First Bearded Vulture in Spain Dies from Wind Turbine Collision

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Bearded Vulture - Gypaetus barbatus - Quebrantahuesos

Project Suspension Technicians from the Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos (FCQ) and nature protection agents from the Government of Aragón found the mutilated carcass of the bearded vulture “Masía” beneath the blades of a wind turbine in the Refollas wind complex, located in Castellón. The body was found in the Teruel municipality of Luco … Read more

Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census

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Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census

Some pretty amazing news from Spain and Portugal! A Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census.

The total census of Iberian lynx now stands at 2,021 individuals. This includes 1,299 adults or subadults and 722 cubs born last year. After surpassing 1,000 specimens in 2020, the Iberian population has doubled in just three years.

Read about the Iberian Lynx here.

2023 census findings

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) census in Spain and Portugal for 2023 showed significant growth. The species has exceeded 2,000 specimens, a new record since detailed population monitoring began.

This is highlighted in the report by the Iberian lynx working group, coordinated by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). The group includes representatives from Spanish autonomous communities and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) of Portugal.

Distribution of lynxes

The report indicates a total of 2,021 lynxes, with 1,730 in Spain (85.6%) and 291 in Portugal. Four Spanish autonomous communities host stable populations. Andalucía has 755 specimens, 43.6% of the Spanish population. Castilla-La Mancha has 715 lynxes (41.3%). Extremadura has 253 specimens, and the Region of Murcia has seven.

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