Wildlife Archives - Page 4 of 61 - Wildlife & Walking Tours in Spain

Lost Heritage: Cochineal and the Endangered Prickly Pear in Spain

February 5, 2026January 28, 2025 by clive

In recent years, the uncontrolled spread of the Cochineal, Dactylopius coccus (Cochinilla del Carmin) has led to the near disappearance of the prickly pear (higo chumbo) in Spain. So lets explore our lost heritage: cochineal and the endangered prickly pear in Spain

Historical Significance

The introduced prickly pear (Opuntia maxima), originating from Central America, has played a vital role for centuries. It served various purposes, including being a source of food (prickly pears, higo chumbos), livestock feed, agricultural support, slope stabilization, and hedges.

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.

Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.

European bison – Bison bonasus – Bisonte europeo

December 11, 2024 by clive

The European bison – Bison bonasus – Bisonte europeo is also known as the wisent is one of two extant species of bison, alongside the American bison. The European bison is the heaviest wild land animal in Europe and individuals in the past may have been even larger than modern animals.

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

Three Iberian Lynx Killed in October on Andalusian Roads

October 14, 2024October 14, 2024 by clive

Iberian lynx Mammals of Spain - Reintroducion of Iberian lynx. Wildlife, natural parks and culture in Spain

Three Iberian lynx have been killed on Andalusian roads in just five days (at the end of September and the first week of October.) These incidents have once again highlighted the ongoing threat posed by vehicles, as wildlife campaigners demand more be done to protect the species. Animal rights groups call for urgent action from the Andalusian government to protect these vulnerable cats.

clive

Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain

Wild cat – Felis sylvestris sylvestris – Gato montes

April 30, 2026September 16, 2024 by clive

The Wild cat – Felis sylvestris sylvestris – Gato montes is rarely seen due to its elusive nature and many people often confuse an average tabby cat as its appearance is quite similar to that of a domestic cat. But, remember, it has a much stronger build than most domesticated cat breeds. (Felis sylvestris catus). … Read more

Historical Significance

The Caminito del Rey