Unlocking the secrets of the ice caves

Unlocking the secrets of the ice caves

Scientists have been carrying out investigations in mountain caves that contain ice all year round, found in high mountain areas of the Pyrenees and Cantabrian mountains. Ana Moreno, Miguel Bartolomé, Reyes Giménez, María Leunda and Ánchel Belmonte-Ribas reported that...
Wolf protection remains in Spain

Wolf protection remains in Spain

The weakening of protection for the wolf at European level will not affect the Iberian wolf.The WWF says ‘nothing will change in Spain’. A ruling by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention entered into force today (March 7), downgrading the status of...
Going for golden

Going for golden

The golden eagle is largest eagle in Spain, with a wingspan measuring between 1.8 and 2.3 metres.SEO/BirdLife explain that the country is home to one of the largest population of these raptors in Europe. The ornithological society states that there have been recent...
Measures to protect the plover

Measures to protect the plover

The population of the Kentish plover is in rapid decline in Spain, says SEO/BirdLife.They note that it ‘faces a high risk of becoming extinct in the wild’. The principal threats for the small shorebird are the loss of habitat and intensive recreational use...
Iberia’s unique eagle expands its range

Iberia’s unique eagle expands its range

The Iberian imperial eagle is a majestic bird with a wingspan of around two metres.When hunting it glides over the countryside and drops like a stone when it detects prey out in the open.Fortunately, it is now possible to see this raptor in the skies in more areas of...
Bearded vultures bounce back

Bearded vultures bounce back

Nature’s clean-up crew; vultures do the dirty work of clearing up after death, helping to keep ecosystems healthy.This is how the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF) refers to these scavengers, who play a crucial role in the environments in which they live. The...
Wolf watch

Wolf watch

After centuries of persecution, the Iberian wolf population has been on the rise in recent times. However, campaigners fear much of the good work could be undone following a vote from the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention in December, 2024 to weaken protection...
Walking terms (and conditions)

Walking terms (and conditions)

When out walking in Spain, or looking at a map, you will see words you know, ones you recognise, and others that are less familiar. Often there is more than one term given to a geographical feature or piece of infrastructure, which can lead to misunderstandings. And...
For the love of the lynx

For the love of the lynx

The release in recent days of Iberian lynxes bred in captivity has highlighted the recovery from the brink of extinction of this emblematic species. At the turn of the millennium there were less than 50 of these native cats left in Spain. But, in little over 20 years...
Montanejos; unrivalled ravines

Montanejos; unrivalled ravines

Rivers slicing through limestone rock have formed incredible ravines with towering walls in Montanejos. A network of waymarked footpaths in the municipality means these natural phenomena can be explored and enjoyed from different angles. The trails aren’t always...
Walking above the narrows

Walking above the narrows

This waymarked route in Montanejos heads to the top of ‘the narrows’ – the Estrechos de Chillapájaros – where towering cliffs close in and the Mijares river creates a sheer-sided ravine. The views from above, looking over the gorge, are spectacular. The...