The Iberian Wildcat in Spain: A Vanishing Predator Caught Between Science, Politics, and Feral Cats

A quiet disappearance in plain sight

The Iberian wildcat in Spain isn’t a species most people ever notice, and that’s part of the problem. It moves through fragmented woodland and scrub with almost ghost-like secrecy. Yet across southern and eastern Spain, its presence is fading in ways that are becoming harder to ignore.

The Wild cat - Felis sylvestris sylvestris - Gato montes population in Spain is probably more abundant than we think but due to its elusive nature
The Wild cat – Felis sylvestris sylvestris – Gato montes population in Spain is probably declining.

What makes this more complicated is that its decline doesn’t come from a single cause. It’s a mix of pressure points that overlap and reinforce each other.

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Iberian Lynx vs Feral Cats in Spain: A Wild Comeback We Should Celebrate

The story of an Iberian lynx killing feral cats in a small Spanish village has sparked outrage online. However, from my perspective at Wildside Holidays Spain, this reaction misses the point entirely. The return of the Iberian lynx is not a problem—it is a powerful sign that wild Spain is recovering.

In this article, I share my personal view on what is really happening and why we need to rethink our relationship with both wildlife and domestic animals.

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Fuente de Piedra lagoon

Fuente de Piedra lagoon

Located in the Antequera region of Malaga, Spain, the Fuente de Piedra lagoon is the largest lagoon in Andalusia, stretching 6.5 km in length and 2.5 km in width. This wetland is particularly famous for being home to a large colony of Greater Flamingos, making it a significant site for the species in the Western Mediterranean.

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Discovering the Wonders of the Sea: A Guide to Spain’s Best Aquariums

Discovering the Wonders of the Sea: A Guide to Spain's Best Aquariums

In this guide to Spain’s best aquariums, you’ll find that it’s home to some of the most impressive and diverse marine museums. From L’Oceanogràfic in Valencia, which is the largest in Europe, to the stunning Poema del Mar Aquarium in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the wonders of the marine world. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of species, from colorful fish and sea turtles to sharks and rays.

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