Mammals in Spain

[SNiDE]

Hello all,

I have been camping in Spain since I can remember, as my parents have taken me every year. I am 17 now, and am looking to go backpacking in the wilderness and do some photography whilst there. Particular animals I am hoping to see are Wolves, having only one brief siting in the past. Bears & Lynxes would also be fantastic but are obviously extremely unlikely. I have picked up very useful information at iberianature.com, and I would be most grateful for any information on places to spot certain animals and to stay in Spain.
Many thanks!

[PennineBirder]

You don't say if you are interested in Northern or Southern Spain. Bears of course have been hanging on in the north with small populations in Picos de Europa and I believe there have been some reintroductions in the Pyrenees. I have not come across bears personally in these areas though.

The best place for Iberian Lynx is Sierra de Andujar (or should I say the largest population), in the Sierra Morena (Andalusia). This is a protected area and access is restricted, unfortunately, in most of the region. It does also have a team of wildlife rangers trying to keep disturbance to a minimum and doing a good job - but they are very friendly and you should be able to find some space to camp. I do recommend this area though.

I was there in May this year and came across many Wolf tracks and droppings (but no sightings of animals) and some Lynx tracks (but no sightings). Large mammals like these are very elusive. Some good birds in the area too and flowers particulary interesting in spring time.

Good luck.
Peter

[jurek]

Ask on some Spanish forum. Sometimes there are things like wolves regulary coming to some rubbish dump. There you have best chance.