Wildlife

Is The The Wolf is Extinct in Andalusia?

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

The 2023 wolf population monitoring surveys published by the Andalusian government conclude that the Iberian wolf is extinct across the entire region. This is the first time the extinction of this iconic species, once a symbol of Andalusia’s mountains, has been officially acknowledged, though it may have been gone for years.

The wolf (Canis lupus signatus) has historically been one of the most representative species of Andalusia’s mountain ranges. However, according to the Wolf Monitoring and Conservation Programme carried out by the Ministry of the Environment of the Andalusian Government, it has been confirmed extinct since 2020.

Conservation Efforts and the Decline of the Wolf

Since 2003, the primary aim of the programme was to understand the distribution of the Iberian wolf in Andalusia, gather data about its population dynamics, compensate for livestock damages, reduce conflicts with local communities, and, overall, ensure the species’ survival by encouraging its expansion into more favourable and less conflict-prone areas.

Wildmoral wolf tours
Is The The Wolf is Extinct in Andalusia? Officially Since 2023 (but probably a lot earlier), unfortunately yes.

Read more

The Status and Debate Surrounding Wolves in Southern Spain

by
Wildmoral wolf tours

The Iberian wolf, Canis lupus signatus, is a subspecies of the grey wolf endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is distinguished by its medium size and dark markings on its tail, forelegs, and shoulders. Once widespread, the Iberian wolf has had a tumultuous history, nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s due to hunting and habitat destruction. However, thanks to protective measures taken by various organizations, the population has stabilized, making the Iberian wolf a symbol of biodiversity in Spain.

Are Wolves Still in Sierra Morena?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether wolves still live in the Sierra Morena. There have been mixed reports from residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Some claim wolves are still present in areas like Andújar, while others argue that the species became extinct in the region by the 1990s.

Read more

Twelve Iberian Lynx Cubs Born in Doñana Prepare for Release into the Wild

by
Iberian lynx cubs 2024

Good news for Iberian lynx conservation efforts. A total of twelve Iberian lynx cubs born, have successfully been raised at the El Acebuche Breeding Centre in Doñana in 2024. This is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to recover the population of this endangered species.

According to the Autonomous Organisation of National Parks (OAPN), the cubs have passed through the critical post-birth phase. This typically lasts between two and four months. They are now preparing for their eventual release into their natural habitat.

Read more