Spain is home to a remarkable diversity of mammals, from iconic land species to rare marine inhabitants. On land, the Iberian lynx, wild boar, and European wildcat roam forests, mountains, and grasslands, while herds of deer and ibex thrive in the sierras. Along its coasts, Spain’s waters host dolphins, whales, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. This variety reflects Spain’s diverse habitats, from the Pyrenees to Mediterranean wetlands. Conservation programs aim to protect these mammals against threats like habitat loss, climate change, and human activity, ensuring their survival for future generations.
The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is a semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family, which is native to Europe. It is a relatively small species of mink, measuring around 40-50 cm in length and weighing around 600-1500 grams. It has a distinctive dark brown fur with a white patch on the chin and chest. The … Read more
The European polecat – Mustela putorius – Turón in Spanish is a mammal in the weasel family (Mustelidae) that is native to Europe. It is a medium-sized carnivore that typically weighs between 0.6 and 1.3 kg (1.3 to 2.9 lbs) and has a body length of around 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches). … Read more
Pyrenean chamois – Rupicapra pyrenaica – Rebeco is a species of goat-antelope native to the Pyrenees mountains, located between Spain and France. They are well adapted to the harsh mountain environment and are known for their agility and surefootedness. These animals are about the size of a large dog, with a height at the shoulder … Read more
The European pine marten (Martes martes) is a small carnivorous mammal that belongs to the weasel family, Mustelidae. It is found throughout much of Europe and northern Asia, and is closely related and very similar to the beech marten (martes foina). In Spanish it is called la marta. Above image from the fantastic blog of … Read more