Spain Wildlife News and Updates

Safeguarding Doñana: Challenges, Controversies, and a Path Forward

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The Doñana National and Natural Parks occupy the northern area of the Guadalquivir river where it meets the Atlantic Ocean

Doñana National Park, a bastion of biodiversity in Andalusia, has recently faced controversies that have shaken the faith of its admirers. Despite decades of protection and substantial funding, concerns about the ecosystem’s health have emerged. This article delves into forum discussions on challenges within the park and presents the latest developments, including a significant agreement aimed at securing its future.

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News from Wildside Holidays and the Iberia Nature Forum

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Natterjack toads in Spain

Heres some News from Wildside Holidays and the Iberia Nature Forum. (November 2023 newsletter.) The Wildside Holidays Facebook Prize Draw Enhance your nature-filled adventure with a chance to win a 100 Euro Get Your Guide gift voucher! Participate in the Wildside Holidays Facebook Prize Draw. Follow the simple instructions on the Wildside Holidays Facebook page … Read more

The vanishing Daimiel wetlands: A 50-year environmental crisis and a national park in peril

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The vanishing Daimiel wetlands: A 50-year environmental crisis and a national park in peril

The Daimiel wetlands, known as Las Tablas de Daimiel, are at a critical juncture as they mark their 50th year as a national park. This natural wonder, a symbol of Castilla La Mancha Húmeda biosphere reserve, has been steadily deteriorating over the years due to poor water management, with overexploitation driven primarily by agricultural irrigation.

Over exploitation of water

The overexploitation of water for agricultural purposes has transformed the Tablas de Daimiel into one of Europe’s most threatened aquatic ecosystems. The modern agri-food model, which prioritizes high production rates, has placed immense pressure on our limited water resources, particularly in arid regions like Castilla-La Mancha. As a consequence, what was once a flourishing wetland teeming with biodiversity has become an arid expanse.

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Repopulating Spain with Iberian Bees: The Smart Green Initiative

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Repopulating Spain with Iberian Bees: The Smart Green Initiative

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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