Spain is considered the European country with the greatest and most varied biodiversity, thanks largely to its diverse climates and landscapes. The country protects over 200,000 km² of natural areas, where countless plant and animal species thrive, many of which are endemic—meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These species are not only essential to Spain’s ecosystems but are also treasures of global natural heritage.
In this article, we’ll introduce 15 examples of endemic species from Spain, covering both animals and plants, and explain their characteristics, habitats, and conservation status.
The Iberian lynx is one of Spain’s most iconic endemic species and among the world’s most endangered wild cats. Populations are concentrated in the Toledo Mountains and Sierra Morena, particularly within Doñana National Park, where they live, hunt, and breed in the wild.
Current numbers: Around 600 individuals in the wild.
Key traits: Medium-sized cat with black ear tufts, prominent whisker-like facial hair, and a diet that mainly consists of rabbits.
Conservation: Once on the brink of extinction, the lynx has benefitted from large-scale recovery programs over the last decades.
The Iberian wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, once roamed across the entire peninsula. Today, it survives mainly north of the Duero River in northern Spain.
Traits: Medium-sized carnivore that hunts deer, roe deer, and wild boar.
Threats: Centuries of persecution by hunters and farmers, who viewed them as a danger to livestock.
Conservation: Still severely threatened, with survival hinging on stricter protection measures.
The Spanish imperial eagle was once critically endangered, but thanks to conservation programs, its numbers are slowly increasing.
Unique feature: Unlike many other eagle species, it is non-migratory, defending fixed territories year-round.
Distribution: Largest populations are in Andalusia.
Diet: Primarily rabbits, but also foxes, rodents, and carrion.
Conservation success: A symbol of how well-implemented recovery programs can reverse population decline.
This wild goat, also called the Spanish ibex, is native to the rocky mountains of Spain’s southeast.
Adaptations: Strong hooves and powerful muscles allow it to scale cliffs with ease.
Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and various plants.
Status: Populations are declining due to predation and overhunting.
Known in Spain as the “lirón careto,” this small rodent is recognized for its unique survival adaptations.
Traits: Can shed its tail when attacked by predators (with partial regeneration capability).
Behavior: Hibernates in winter.
Conservation: Listed as “near threatened.”
Iberian Skink (Chalcides bedriagai): A small lizard found in rocky areas, feeding on insects like beetles and ants.
Iberian Newt (Lissotriton boscai): Amphibian inhabiting clean streams and ponds, mainly nocturnal.
Iberian Mole (Talpa occidentalis): Smaller than the European mole, with a more elongated snout and eyes covered by fur.
Iberian Shrew (Sorex granarius): Found in northwestern Spain; tiny, weighing only about 6 grams.
Cantabrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos pyrenaicus): Also known as the Cantabrian brown bear, living in the Cantabrian Mountains. Males may weigh up to 200 kg but are shy and avoid human contact.
Spain is also home to a rich variety of unique plants:
Sierra Nevada Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris nevadensis): Can grow up to 30 m tall and live for more than a century.
Cerrioid Oak (Quercus cerrioides): A rare hybrid oak threatened by habitat loss.
Cantabrian Oak (Quercus orocantabrica): Found in Asturias, Castilla y León, and parts of Aragón.
Iberian Peony (Paeonia broteri): Grows in central and southern Spain, often in oak and cork forests.
St. Joseph’s Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta): Native to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, thriving near rivers and fields.
Spain’s varied geography and climate make it a biodiversity hotspot in Europe. From the elusive Iberian lynx to the delicate Iberian peony, the country’s endemic species highlight the beauty and fragility of its ecosystems.
Yet many of these species face threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and environmental change. Protecting them is not only vital for Spain’s natural heritage but also for preserving global biodiversity.
animal tags： spanish species
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