Mammals of Spain

European bison – Bison bonasus – Bisonte europeo

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European bison - Bison bonasus - Bisonte europeo

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.

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The Red Deer

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The Red deer has a fragmented distribution throughout much of Europe, Asia and North America
  • Spanish: Ciervo
  • Scientific: Cervus elaphus hispanicus
  • English: Red Deer
  • French: Cerf élaphe
  • German: Rothirsch
  • Italian: Cervo nobile
  • Portugese: Veado

Description

The red deer is A large mammal with a robust body, fine head and long legs. The males measure around 90 – 120cm (3ft-3’11”) at the shoulder and the females 90 – 110cm (3ft-3’7”). Only the males have antlers and these are replaced each year. Their general body colour is brown with greyish tones, the belly and beneath their short tail is much paler.

The Red deer has a fragmented distribution throughout much of Europe, Asia and North America. The 27 or so subspecies have each developed different characteristics. In Iberia there is a subspecies, Cervus elaphus hispanicus, which has a smaller head, more grey colouring and finer dimensions than in Central European variations.

The size of the red deer varies within Spain depending on genetics and food availability. The males can be 90 y 120 cm at the shoulder with an overall length of 160 y 220 cm, the females are smaller.

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Autumn’s Call: Experience the Thrill of the Deer Rutting Season in Andalusia

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The Red deer has a fragmented distribution throughout much of Europe, Asia and North America

Every year, Andalusia’s natural landscapes host a breathtaking spectacle: the deer rutting season, or “berrea.” This natural phenomenon marks the beginning of the mating season for these majestic animals and transforms many of the region’s protected areas into top-tier ecotourism attractions. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the life cycle of wild fauna up close, all while raising awareness about the importance of conserving these pristine environments. So read on to see how you can experience the thrill of the deer rutting season in Andalusia

Autumn’s Call: Experience the Thrill of the Deer Rutting Season in Andalusia
Autumn’s Call: Experience the Thrill of the Deer Rutting Season in Andalusia.

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Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Lince Ibérico

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

Overview

Lynx pardinus (Felis pardina or pardinus, Felis lynx pardina, Lynx lynx pardina)… Too many names!

Once found throughout Spain and Portugal. the Iberian lynx began to decline in the first half of the 20th century due to over hunting and trapping for the fur trade. This decline was hugely accelerated after the 1950’s with the spread of myxomatosis. A disease which decimated populations of the European rabbit, the lynx’s main prey.

From the 1980’s the Iberian lynx was considered by IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature) to be critically endangered and became known as the world’s most threatened cat species.

However, as a result of the increasing population size, the Iberian Lynx no longer qualifies for IUCN Critically Endangered status and is therefore listed as Endangered under criterion D. The improved status of this species is all due to various intensive and ongoing conservation programs.

Current populations and programs

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