Wildlife

Wildlife in Spain is incredibly diverse, from Iberian lynx and brown bears to flamingos and eagles. Spain’s varied landscapes, including mountains, wetlands, and forests, provide habitats for many unique species. Observing wildlife offers a chance to connect with nature and learn about conservation efforts.

Cork and its huge importance to the environment

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“Dehesa” is the name given to these expansive areas of farmland consisting of groves of low density, mature oak trees.

Quercus suber (Cork) is a type of evergreen oak tree native to the Mediterranean region. The tree has adapted to the problems of fire and drought in this area by growing a thicker bark as a protective layer. This outer layer of cork has many industrial uses and huge open forests have been developed to … Read more

Spanish fly beetle – Lytta vesicatoria – Cantárida medicinal

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Spanish fly beetle - Lytta vesicatoria - Cantárida medicinal

The Spanish fly beetle, also known as the blister beetle or Lytta vesicatoria, is a species of beetle that has gained notoriety due to its historical use as an aphrodisiac. However, it’s important to note that using Spanish fly as an aphrodisiac is dangerous and illegal in many countries. In Spanish it is called Cantárida … Read more

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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Invasive species – The red eared terrapin

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An invasive species, the red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as the red-eared slider, red-eared slider turtle
  • Spanish: Galápago de Florida, Tortuga de orejas rojas
  • Scientific: Trachemys scripta elegans
  • English: Red eared terrapin

An invasive species, the red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as the red-eared slider, red-eared slider turtle, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, and water slider turtle, is a semiaquatic terrapin belonging to the family Emydidae.

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