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Date Published: 30/09/2024

From brink of extinction to thriving: 5 Spanish animals make a remarkable recovery

These emblematic species have been given a second chance and are now flourishing in different regions of Spain

Human pressure, in one way or another, is responsible for the loss of several populations of birds, mammals, fish and many other species in Spain. But thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists, researchers and governments, five emblematic animals have been given a second chance to thrive and have been pulled back from the brink of extinction.

Here are their incredible stories:

Brown bear

In the early 1990s, the brown bear population in Spain was on the verge of collapse, with only 100 specimens remaining. However, thanks to the work of the Brown Bear Foundation, the species has made a remarkable recovery.

Today, there are more than 400 bears roaming the Cantabrian mountain range and the Pyrenees, with their numbers increasing year by year.

Although still considered endangered, the brown bear has left the critically endangered category, and its range has expanded by 70% since the 1980s. These days, although elusive, the brown bear can be occasionally spotted in parts of Asturias, León, Palencia and Lugo, and a few have also been sighted in Zamora and Ourense.

Iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx is one of the most striking examples of conservation success. In the late 20th century, there were only 60 adult specimens left, but thanks to joint efforts between private entities and governments, the population has soared to over 2,000 individuals.

The lynx's habitat has expanded from specific areas of Andalucía to the northwest and northeast of Spain, and there is now a new colony in the highlands of Lorca.

Road traffic accidents and poaching remain threats, but habitat protection and the conservation of its primary food source, the rabbit, have been crucial to its recovery.

Imperial eagle

In the 1970s, the imperial eagle population in Spain was on the brink of extinction, with only 39 breeding pairs remaining. However, conservation efforts initiated in the following decade managed to reverse the trend, and today there are 841 pairs. Almost half of these pairs are found in Castilla-La Mancha.

The protection of its habitats has allowed the eagle to expand from a few strongholds in Toledo to a large part of the country.

As with the bear and the lynx, funding from the EU's LIFE programmes has played a decisive role in supporting the recovery of the species.

Nutria

A little-known contender, this species of otter, a small but iconic animal, was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s due to pollution and habitat destruction.

However, the slow but progressive recovery of water quality and the appearance of invasive species that serve as food have increased the population of the Nutria europea.

Today, the species is present in more than 55% of Spanish river basins. The proliferation of invasive species like the American red crab and fish introduced for sport fishing has only increased the number of prey for this hardy little otter.

Osprey

The osprey, a majestic bird with an impressive wingspan, was almost extinct in the 1990s, with only 12 specimens remaining. However, a recovery plan undertaken at the end of the 20th century has achieved impressive results, and today there are more than 1,200 specimens.

Although still facing threats like power lines and wind generators, the bird's recovery is a testament to the power of conservation efforts.

These five species are a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration, determination and, overall, a commitment to conservation

Also of interest: EU votes to lower wolf protection status amid opposition from Spain

Images 1 & 4: Freepik

Image 2: Fundación Oso Pardo

Image 3: CARM

Image 5: Experto Animal

Image 6: Fundación para la Conservación del Quebrantahuesos

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