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.
The European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) is a wild sheep species native to the mountains of Corsica and Sardinia, and other parts of southern Europe. They have since been introduced to other parts of Europe, including Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In Spanish it is called el muflón común or muflón europeo. Mouflons … Read more
The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is a species of marine mammal that is found in oceans and coastal waters around the world, including in Spanish waters. They are known for their distinctive blue and white striped coloration and their acrobatic displays. In Spanish it is called el delfín listado In Spain, the Striped Dolphin is … Read more
The desman is a small semi-aquatic mammal that belongs to the family Talpidae, which also includes moles and shrews. There are two species of desman: the Russian desman (Desmana moschata) and the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus). The Pyrenean desman is found only in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain, France, and Andorra, while the Russian desman … Read more
Iberian hare – Lepus Granatensis can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, forests, and agricultural areas. They are nocturnal and are active mainly at night, although they may be seen during the day in areas with low human disturbance especially during the mating season. In Spanish, the iberian hare is … Read more