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.

Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park

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Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park
  • Region: Islas Canarias
  • Island: El Hierro (La Restinga)
  • Declared a marine reserve: 1996
  • Marine reserve surface area: 750 hectares
  • Declared a Marine national park: Yet to be declared
  • Park surface area: To be confirmed but it is estimated to be a massive 24,000 hectares

The Mar de las Calmas, located off the coast of La Restinga in Spain’s Canary Islands, is set to become Spain’s first fully marine national park. This historic move will protect an underwater ecosystem rich in biodiversity, centered around the famous underwater mountain El Bajón. The proposed designation, approved by the Spanish Cabinet, will now undergo a parliamentary process to finalize its status.

El Bajón: A Legendary Dive Site

El Bajón, a sharp underwater mountain just off La Restinga, rises nearly to the surface, missing the open air by mere feet. This area is famous among underwater photographers for its dramatic landscape and rich marine life, including large groupers and manta rays. Since 1996, El Bajón has been part of the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, which has helped preserve the diverse species found in these waters. The new national park status aims to extend this protection across a larger area.

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Killer whale – Orcinus orca – Orca

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Orcas in Spanish waters

The killer whale, scientifically known as Orcinus orca or simply orca in Spanish, is a highly intelligent and social marine mammal. It is the largest member of the dolphin family and can be found in oceans all over the world, including off the coast of Spain. The “Iberian orcas” belong to the type found usually … Read more

The Brown Bear Population in the Cantabrian Mountains: Facts and Controversies

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Wildmoral bear tours

The brown bear population in the Cantabrian Mountains has been a topic of significant discussion and research. Recent data and conflicting reports have sparked debates about the true state of the population and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. This article aims to consolidate information from two contradictory reports to provide a comprehensive overview of the … Read more

Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Lince Ibérico

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Iberian lynx Mammals of Spain - Reintroducion of Iberian lynx. Wildlife, natural parks and culture in Spain

Overview

Lynx pardinus (Felis pardina or pardinus, Felis lynx pardina, Lynx lynx pardina)… Too many names!

Once found throughout Spain and Portugal. the Iberian lynx began to decline in the first half of the 20th century due to over hunting and trapping for the fur trade. This decline was hugely accelerated after the 1950’s with the spread of myxomatosis. A disease which decimated populations of the European rabbit, the lynx’s main prey.

From the 1980’s the Iberian lynx was considered by IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature) to be critically endangered and became known as the world’s most threatened cat species.

However, as a result of the increasing population size, the Iberian Lynx no longer qualifies for IUCN Critically Endangered status and is therefore listed as Endangered under criterion D. The improved status of this species is all due to various intensive and ongoing conservation programs.

Current populations and programs

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