Wild Animals of Andalucía

The most common wild animals found in the more remote parts of Andalucia are outlined below.

Deer (Cervus Elaphus)

This common deer is still found throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Doe Deer / Corzo.

Fallow Deer ((Dama dama or Cervus dama)

These deer inhabit rural areas of Andalucia.

Iberian Lynx

The Iberian Lynx is an endangered species that is highly protected on the Iberian Peninsula. Like all wild animals, an injured Lynx should be reported immediately to emergency services (ring 112) which will put you through to the Guardia Civil’s Seprona wild life division.

Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)

This wolf is smaller than other European wolves. Iberian wolves flourished on the peninsula until the 1900’s. During Franco’s dictatorship there was actually a campaign to exterminate wolves. However, since then ecologists have been working hard to revive the species throughout rural Spain and especially mountain areas. Wolves have had a tough time in Andalucia and there are no longer wolves even in the Sierra Morena mountains.

Muflon (Ovis musimon).

A species that became extinct on the Iberian Peninsula before Neolithic times due to hunting. It has been introduced, it is the ancestor of our domestic sheep and another acorn-loving creature of the sierra. In the autumn the males fight it out with their large horns to determine who will father the next generation.

Mongose / Meloncillo

There is a relatively high population of meloncillo found in Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a kind of mongoose that is in danger of extinction in other parts of Andalucia.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

This common fox has proven itself to be a durable creature. In spite of the fact that so many mammals – especially carnivores – have become extinct in Andalucuia, the red fox continues to flourish.

Royal Owl / Buho bobo

In the evening it is possible to hear the sound of the royal owl.

Wild Pig (Sus scrofa)

Wild pigs are still abundant in Spain. Watch out for them when driving through rural areas.

See and Do