Mammals of Spain

Mammals of Spain. Spain is home to a diverse range of mammal species, many of which are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. From the majestic Iberian lynx to the elusive European wildcat, Spain boasts a rich variety of carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. The country’s varied geography and climate have given rise to different mammalian ecosystems, such as the Pyrenees mountain range in the north and the Mediterranean forests and grasslands in the south. Despite threats such as habitat loss and climate change, many of Spain’s mammal populations are thriving, and efforts are being made to protect them for future generations.

Spain is also home to a diverse array of marine mammals, thanks to its long coastline and position at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the most notable marine mammals found in Spanish waters include the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, and the long-finned pilot whale. Spain is also home to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, and several species of whales and porpoises, such as the fin whale, the sperm whale, and the harbour porpoise. These marine mammals are essential components of Spain’s marine ecosystems, playing important roles in maintaining the health and balance of the ocean’s food chains. However, like many other marine mammals around the world, they face threats from human activities such as fishing, pollution, and climate change.

Least weasel – Mustela nivalis – Comadreja

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Least weasel – Mustela nivalis – Comadreja

The least weasel (Mustela nivalis), known as the “comadreja” in Spain, is the world’s smallest carnivore—measuring just 16–20 cm in length and weighing 25–45 g. These slender, nocturnal hunters sport seasonal coats—brown in summer, white in winter in colder regions—and feed on small rodents, insects, birds, and reptiles. In Spain, they thrive across diverse habitats, from Pyrenean woodlands to Andalusian fields. Females can produce multiple litters of 3–7 young per year, though wild weasels typically live only two to three years. Despite habitat loss and pesticide threats, conservation efforts help sustain their vital role as natural rodent controllers.

Iberian Lynx Population Reaches 2401 in 2024: Europe’s Most Endangered Cat Nears Recovery

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Iberian Lynx population in 2025


The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), once critically endangered, has reached its highest population ever recorded. As of 2024, there are 2,401 wild Iberian lynxes across Spain and Portugal. This 19% increase over the previous year marks a milestone in one of Europe’s most ambitious conservation programs. From fewer than 100 in 2002, the species is now expanding in both range and breeding strength—yet challenges remain. (Iberian Lynx Population Reaches 2401 in 2024)

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Brown Bear Populations in Spain: Pyrenean Recovery and Cantabrian Stability

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Brown bear 2024 Pyrenees population
Updated 2024 Population Figures Highlight Growth and Ongoing Challenges

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) has been making a cautious comeback in Spain over the last two decades. Two geographically isolated populations—the Pyrenean brown bear and the Cantabrian brown bear—are following different conservation paths. New data from 2024 reveals progress in both regions, alongside some pressing genetic and ecological concerns.

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Iberian Wolf Hunting Regulations in Spain: Spain Lifts Wolf Hunting Ban North of the Duero

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The best place to see wolves in Spain is in the rolling hills of the Sierra de la Culebra.

The management of Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) populations in Spain has always been a subject of ongoing debate, balancing conservation efforts with the interests of livestock farmers. Recent legislative changes have further complicated this issue, particularly concerning hunting regulations north and south of the Duero River.

Read more about the Iberian wolf here.

Historical Context of Wolf Hunting in Spain

Historically, the Iberian wolf has faced significant persecution, leading to its eradication in several regions. By the mid-20th century, bounties were placed on wolves, drastically reducing their numbers. However, small populations survived, primarily in northwestern Spain and northern Portugal.

Wildmoral wolf tours
Iberian Wolf Hunting Regulations in Spain. In 2021, Spain granted Iberian wolves north of the Duero River protected status, expanding a pre-existing hunting prohibition in the south. This move was met with strong opposition from farmers, who warned it would result in increased attacks on livestock.

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