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.

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

Cantabrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) Oso Pardo Cantábrico

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Cantabrian brown bears have developed a slightly different genetic identity to other brown bears, although not as different as was once believed.

Special thanks for help with this original article about the Cantabrian Brown Bear go to Lisa Stuart who, together with Mike, runs a wonderful guesthouse in the Picos de Europa national park. They also organise outdoor activities and adventures in this stunning part of Spain

Ask Lisa about finding bears in the Picos de Europa.

Listed in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species (Catálogo Nacional de Especies Amenazadas) as being in danger of extinction, the Cantabrian brown bear’s existence in Spain is not widely known.

The Somiedo Experience
Somiedo Experience

The Somiedo Experience can help you to find and photograph the Cantabrian brown bear. Find out more here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/somiedo-experience/

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Debate Ensues Over the Best Methodology for Cantabrian Bear Census as Genetic Analysis Sparks Controversy

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Somiedo Experience

In the lush wilderness of the Cantabrian Mountains, an ongoing debate is stirring within the conservation community regarding the most accurate methodology for assessing the population of Cantabrian bears, an iconic and endangered species native to northern Spain.

For decades, the traditional method of estimating the bear population relied on an annual census of bears with cubs. However, recent shifts in policy by several regional governments are advocating for an exclusive reliance on genetic analysis for this purpose.

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