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.

Reviving Rivers: The Remarkable Return of European Beavers to the Iberian Peninsula

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Reviving Rivers: The Remarkable Return of Eurasian Beavers to the Iberian Peninsula

European beavers – Castor fiber – El castor europeo, have a fascinating history in the Iberian Peninsula, where the species was documented until the late 16th century before becoming extinct due to over hunting and persecution for its meat and fur.

In 2003, unauthorized beaver reintroductions occurred in the Ebro river basin in Spain. These beavers, protected since 2011, have since expanded into new areas, including the Douro and Tagus basins. Recently, there have been sightings of beavers in the Tormes river, near the Portuguese border, suggesting a potential return to Portugal after extinction in the Middle Ages.

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Hybrid rabbits in Spain

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The Iberian rabbit

Farmers in Spain are protesting against the “hybrid rabbit”, a cross between domestic and wild rabbit species, which they claim is devastating crops and displacing native rabbits and hares. Protesters accuse the government of deliberately releasing the animal to repopulate endangered species, which has caused harm to the native rabbit and hare populations. The hybrids are larger, more voracious, have more offspring per litter and double the number of litters per year. Farmers have demanded a temporary hunting emergency declaration, a study to clarify when and how the rabbit appeared, and a ban on releasing domestic rabbits into populations of native rabbits. But before we get to the invasive hybrid rabbits in Spain lets have a look at the endemic ones!

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Iberian Lynx News Roundup 2023: Positive Census Results and Conservation Efforts

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To date, 238 specimens of Iberian lynx have been born in the breeding centres of El Acebuche and Zarza de Granadilla with 150 released in different areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

The recently published 2022 Iberian lynx census brings great news from Portugal and Spain. The total lynx population now stands at 1,668, including 1,105 adults and immatures, along with 563 cubs. Notably, the census records 326 reproductive or “territorial” females. This Iberian Lynx News Roundup 2023 has been translated from the official Life LYNXCONNECT project website.

Read about the Iberian Lynx in more details here: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/iberian-lynx-lynx-pardinus-lince-iberico/

Life LYNXCONNECT Conservation project

Achieving the conservation goal of moving the Iberian lynx from ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable’ status, as per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, requires 750 breeding females in the wild. If this target is reached, it would represent a remarkable recovery of this critically endangered species.

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