Mammals of Spain

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 Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)

February 27, 2023 by clive

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

February 27, 2023 by clive

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

Iberian red fox (Vulpes vulpes Silacea) Zorro

February 27, 2023 by clive

Iberian Fox (Vulpes vulpes Silacea) Zorro in Spanish

The Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a globally widespread mammal of opportunistic behaviour. In Spain we have the subspecies Iberian red Fox (Vulpes vulpes Silacea) Zorro in Spanish which is slightly smaller than its northern European counterparts. Foxes, in general, have an ability to adapt to different habitats as well as varied food supplies. This canine … Read more

The Common Bottlenose Dolphin

February 25, 2023 by clive

The Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin is a species of marine mammal that is found in oceans and coastal waters around the world, including in Spanish waters. In Spanish it is known as El delfín mular, tursón or nariz de botella

The bottlenose dolphin is a highly intelligent and social animal that is well-known for its acrobatic displays and friendly interactions with humans. In Spain, bottlenose dolphins are a popular attraction for tourists, and they are often encountered on boat tours and whale watching excursions.

Threats and protection

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.

Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.

Threats and protection

The Caminito del Rey