Spain’s orcas dance to the tunas’ tune

Spain’s orcas dance to the tunas’ tune

The small population of Iberian orcas (Iberian killer whales) which lives off the coast of Spain is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Only 37 individuals were counted in 2023. The orca is an intelligent and...
Snake-eating eagle thrives in Spain

Snake-eating eagle thrives in Spain

The short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) is one of ‘most interesting and least known raptors that inhabits our country’, according to SEO/BirdLife. They note that it is a ‘considerable size’ (wing span 160-175 cm) and ‘has the...
Saving Europe’s most endangered duck

Saving Europe’s most endangered duck

Murcia region is taking part in the EU LIFE programme to safeguard the future of the marbled teal. According to regional environment councillor, Juan María Vázquez, it is the species of duck which is most in danger of extinction in Europe. A total of 30 marbled teals...
Lynxes return to northern Spain

Lynxes return to northern Spain

Two more Iberian lynxes bred in captivity are being released in a rural area of northern Spain.The young male and female, named Villano and Viñegra, are set to join two others freed earlier this year at El Cerrato in Castilla y León region. It is the first area chosen...
On the GR-330 to Pla de la Casa

On the GR-330 to Pla de la Casa

The Guadalest valley is home to the highest peaks in Alicante province.Rising close to the Mediterranean coast at Altea, it heads inland and forms a long dogleg which ascends to the Confrides pass at 970 metres. The southern flank includes the Sierra de Aitana, with...
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...
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...