Giant ray beaching mystery under investigation
Around 20 spinetail devil rays have beached in separate incidents this spring along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, sparking a wide-ranging investigation. Also known as giant devil ray or devil fish (Mobula mobular), the Valencia-based Oceanogràfic foundation...
The best vulture restaurant in town
Staff from the Ordesa y Monte Perdido national park provide food for carrion feeders all year round. They reported today that most of the birds that arrive at the site in Escuaín in the Pyrenees of Huesca province are vultures. “The larger bones are chopped up...
The best of nature in the national parks
Spain has 16 national parks – the highest level of protection available in the country. This very important instrument for conservation has been in existence for more than 100 years. The first two ‘parques nacionales’ were created in 1918 in mountainous...
Wet spring brings relief for reservoirs
Abundant precipitation in Spain in recent months has boosted the amount of water stored in the country’s reservoirs, noted the ministry for the ecological transition (Miteco). Miteco reported that on average across the country, they stand at 77.5% of total...
‘Bone breaker’ starts to thrive in south of Spain
The numbers of bearded vultures, known in Spanish as ‘bone breakers’ (quebrantahuesos), are on the up in eastern Andalucía following a very successful breeding in captivity programme. This amazing bird had become extinct in Spain’s southern-most...
Essential information about conditions on Pyrenees paths
The walking season in the Pyrenees on high-mountain paths without using snow shoes or crampons usually starts in June, depending on how much snow falls during the spring. Mountain lovers preparing to hit the trails, or launch on the GR-11 trans-Pyrenean footpath, can...
Iberian lynx population surge
The population of the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal increased by 19% in 2024, according to figures released this week by the ministry for the ecological transition (Miteco). They reported that the number went up to 2,401, which is 380 more than the figure...
Rock-climber bird – the wallcreeper; a unique species residing in Spain
As its name suggests, the wallcreeper is attracted to rock faces – and very high ones at that, climbing with amazing skill to locate its food. During warmer periods of the year, it is found at altitudes ranging from 2,200 metres to 3,000m above sea level. Due to its...
Spectacular cliffs made of ‘sand’
The highest ‘sand’ cliffs in Europe can be found on the south coast of Spain, inside the protected area of the Doñana in Huelva province. It is along the Playa de Castilla, between the towns of Matalascañas and Mazagón, that sheer faces rise to heights...
Trying to preserve Spain’s ‘rarest flower’
A flower which has existed for more than 25 million years and could be Spain’s rarest species of flora has been spotted in Andalucía, more than 40 years after it was last catalogued in that region. Named Gyrocaryum oppositifolium Valdés, it was thought to have...
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