Spanish Biodiversity

Spanish biodiversity is one of the richest and most diverse in Europe . Spain is one of the countries with the greatest variety of habitats and animal and plant species on the continent. The combination of different factors such as geographic location, climate, relief , geology and human history have given rise to a great variety of ecosystems, from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees mountains, passing through the inland plains and the islands.

Biodiversity in Spain is represented by more than 8,000 species of vascular plants , more than 1,400 species of vertebrates and around 200,000 species of invertebrates . In addition, it is estimated that at least 30% of the flora and fauna species in Spain are endemic, which means that they are only found in this territory.

One of the most important and emblematic ecosystems in Spain is the Mediterranean forest, which occupies a large part of the Spanish territory. This type of forest is made up mainly of holm oaks, cork oaks, oaks, gall oaks and olive trees. In addition, it is home to a wide variety of fauna such as birds of prey, mammals such as wild boars and deer, reptiles such as the ladder snake and the ocellated lizard, and numerous species of insects. Another important ecosystem is the Mediterranean grassland, found in the Iberian Peninsula and in the Balearic Islands. These meadows are made up of a wide variety of herbaceous plants such as grasses and legumes. Animals such as the bustard, the little bustard, the rabbit and the Iberian hare live in them.

In the mountain area of the Pyrenees is one of the most unique ecosystems in Spain, the beech forest. This forest is home to a wide variety of animal species such as capercaillie, brown bear, Iberian wolf and bearded vulture. In addition, in the highest areas of the Pyrenees there are glaciers and lakes of glacial origin, where you can find species such as the common trout and the Pyrenean frog.

Another important ecosystem in Spain is the Mediterranean coast, which is made up of beaches, cliffs, dunes and wetlands. Numerous species of seabirds live in these areas, such as the yellow -legged gull, the common tern and the Balearic shearwater. You can also find sea turtles, dolphins and whales.

In Spain there are also various islands that are home to a unique biodiversity. The Canary Islands, for example, have a high degree of endemism in their flora and fauna. On these islands you can find unique species such as the giant lizard of El Hierro, the parakeet of Reunion and the palm tree of the Canary Islands.

If you are looking for a unique experience to appreciate the great diversity of Spain, these nature reserves are going to be your best option:

• Tablas de Daimiel National Park: This park is located in the Castilla-La Mancha region, in central Spain. It is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, such as gray herons, great crested grebes, and red ducks. You can also see species such as the otter and the fox .
• Doñana National Park: Located in Andalusia, in southern Spain, this park is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. It is home to numerous species of migratory birds, such as the flamingo, purple heron, and osprey. It is also home to a large number of endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Iberian lynx and the Iberian deer.
• Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park : This is located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain and is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and biological diversity. It is home to species such as the golden eagle, the griffon vulture and the peregrine falcon.
• Garajonay National Park: The park is located on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands and is known for its exuberant vegetation, including laurel forests and giant ferns. It is also home to numerous endemic species of the Canary Islands, such as the blue chaffinch and the giant lizard of La Gomera.
• Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park: This is located in the Catalan Pyrenees, in northeastern Spain , and is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and high-altitude lakes. It is home to species such as the bearded vulture, the golden eagle and the brown bear.
• Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park : Located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, it is known for its impressive karst landscapes and biological diversity. It is home to species such as the eagle owl, Bonelli's eagle and the wild cat.

These are just some of the many places you can visit in Spain to appreciate its incredible biodiversity. Each region of the country has its own charm and offers the opportunity to observe unique and fascinating species. Always remember to respect the rules and regulations of the park or nature reserve you visit to preserve its flora and fauna.