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.

Midwife toads in Spain

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Midwife toads in Spain

Midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) are actually frogs, not toads. They belong to the family Alytidae (formerly Discoglossidae), which is a group of frogs that are found in Europe and northern Africa. They are called “midwife toads” because of their unique breeding behavior, in which the male carries the fertilized eggs on his hind legs, but they are not classified as toads. Toads and frogs are both amphibians, but they are different groups of animals. Toads are generally stockier and have rough, warty skin, while frogs are typically more slender and have smooth skin.

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Common genet – Genetta genetta – Gineta

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Common genet – Genetta genetta – Gineta

Genetta genetta is a small carnivorous mammal known as the common genet and Gineta in Spanish. It is native to Africa, and has been introduced to parts of Europe. It is a member of the Viverridae family, which also includes civets and meerkats. They have a slender body, short legs, and a long tail, and are usually gray or brown in color with black spots or stripes. They are primarily active at night and feed on small animals such as rodents and insects.

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Iberian Wild Boar – Sus scrofa – Jabali

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Iberian Wild Boar - Sus scofra - Jabali
  • Subspecies in Spain: Sus scrofa castilianus (Thomas, 1912) and Sus scofra baeticus (Thomas, 1912)
  • Body length: 120 cm.
  • Tail length: 22cm.
  • Height at the withers: 65 cm.
  • Weight: Males between 70 and 90 kgs., Females between 40 and 65 kgs. Occasionally even 150 kgs.
  • Lifespan: 20 years recorded in captivity 8 to 12 years in the wild

Description and Habits

The Iberian Wild Boar – Sus scrofa – Jabali is a medium-sized mammal with a large and elongated head and very small eyes. The neck is thick and the legs are very short, which further accentuates its plump body. The forequarters are bigger than the hindquarters which is unlike the domestic pig that has been bred to develop the rear of its body to be larger in order to reach the highest value in the meat market.

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Spanish wolf spider – Lycosa hispanica – Araña lobo

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European wolf spider - Lycosa tarantula - Araña lobo - Next to burrow

Originally known as a tarantula (Theraphosidae family), the Spanish wolf spider – Lycosa hispanica – Araña lobo is in fact a member of the wolf spider family, the Lycosidae. It is the largest spider to be found in Spain.

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