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.

Otter – Lutra lutra -Nutria Europea.

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The Otter - Lutra lutra -Nutria Europea (in Spain the European otter)

The Otter – Lutra lutra – Nutria Europea. A carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. They are semiaquatic in Spain with diets based mostly on fish and invertebrates.

Although most European otters tend to prey primarily on fish, some have developed a taste for frogs and toads—a food choice that requires some deft preparation. Because common toads (Bufo bufo) have toxins in both their skin and the glands on either side near the front of their bodies, these resourceful otters use their sharp teeth to remove the skin from the back half of the toads and then eat just the hind legs. While common frogs (Rana rana) don’t have toxic skin or glands, most otters appear to not know the difference, and generally play it safe by following the same food-prep routine they use on toads.

There is a brilliant photo of an otter with a frog on the website link below. https://www.biographic.com/frog-leg-feast/

A slow population recovery.

With the creation of many natural and national parks in Spain, and other environmental awareness campaigns, the otter population seems to have increased, certainly in Andalusia, over the past 20 years. However, this recovery has been relatively slow, and in some areas the impact of human activities still prevents the species, from expanding into new territory.

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The Barbary macaques of Gibraltar

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The barbary macaques of Gibraltar

The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), also known as the Barbary ape, is a species of Old World monkey native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. However, a small population of barbary macaques also exists in Europe, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.

The Barbary macaque population in Gibraltar is the only wild population of this species outside of Africa and is considered to be of high conservation value. The macaques are protected under both UK and EU law, and their population is subject to monitoring and management efforts to ensure their long-term survival.

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Spain’s Wolf Protection Measures and the European Commission’s Perspective

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

In the midst of discussions about the protection of wolves in Spain, the country’s acting head of agriculture, fisheries, and food, Luis Planas, has asserted that Spain already possesses mechanisms to ensure the wolf’s protection. This comes in response to the European Commission’s consideration of potentially reducing the level of protection for this species. So, what are Spain’s wolf protection measures and the European Commission’s perspective?

Spain’s Comprehensive Wolf Management Plan

During a press conference held after the informal Council of European Agriculture Ministers in Córdoba, Planas emphasized Spain’s comprehensive wolf management plan. Within this framework, the nation has established flexible mechanisms and legal instruments.

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Wind Farms Pose Grave Threat to Bat Populations Study Finds

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Wind Farms in Cádiz Pose Grave Threat to Bat Populations Study Finds

A recent study conducted by the Doñana Biological Station (EBD) in collaboration with the University of Lund (Sweden) and the University of Seville, and published in the specialized journal Acta Chiropterologica, has unveiled the alarming impact of wind farms on bat populations in Cádiz, Spain. This research, led by the EBD-CSIC, a branch of the … Read more