In the various areas of the planet there are animals that, although they are also present in other countries, are considered representative of these places. A concept associated with this aspect is that of endemism, which refers to species that are typical of a certain locality and their range of distribution is typical of a country or a certain region. Thus, we find native animals from different areas or countries.
In this article on our site we will focus on the fauna of Spain, a country that is home to multiple and highly varied species. Some of the typical animals of Spain that we present below are endemic species, while others also inhabit other countries.
Turquoise Pigeon (Columba bollii)
Also known as the blue-tailed laurel pigeon, this species of pigeon is endemic to Spain, specifically to the Canary Islands. It is slightly larger than the common pigeon (Columba livia) and is a curious bird due to its peculiar dark gray coloration with a pink breast area. In addition, the also dark bands on the tail differentiate it from the white-tailed laurel dove (Columba junoniae), also endemic to the region.
It is distributed in wooded areas, ravines and eventually in cultivated areas. If you love these birds as much as we do, don't miss this other article with all the Types of pigeons.
Tenerife Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
Another of Spain's endemic animals is the Tenerife blue finch. As its name suggests, it is a very beautiful type of finch that only lives on the island of Tenerife It has certain features similar to the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), but it is of larger size. Likewise, in this species there is sexual dimorphism, since the males are more attractive than the females, with their distinctive blue color in almost the entire body, while the females are opaque brown.
This finch develops mainly in pine forests, but during the reproductive and winter seasons it moves to other areas of the island.
Mediterranean tortoise (Mauremys leprosa)
Although within the group of these animals the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is one of those that mainly reach the Spanish coasts, the Mediterranean sea turtle, also known as the leper turtle, is anative animal of the Iberian Peninsula , being very common in Spain, and with presence in other nearby countries. It is a carnivorous turtle that lives in both fresh and s alty bodies of water, with a preference for large and permanent aquatic spaces.
Balearic Toad (Alytes muletensis)
Also called the Majorcan midwife toad or ferreret, this toad is in danger of extinction and is an animal endemic to Spain, particularly of the Balearic IslandsIt measures between 34 and 38 mm, with females being larger than males. This is a peculiar species, since it is the female that competes for the male, in addition, they are the ones that carry the fertilized eggs on top of their bodies.
Currently restricted to deep dug streams and certain artificial bodies of water.
Rosy Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
It is also known as the Mediterranean house gecko or Turkish gecko and, although its origin is more limited, it is currently distributed globally due to its introductionin various countries. However, it is a well-known animal from Spain, like other species of geckos that inhabit this country, such as the common gecko (Tarentola mauritanica).
The pink one is about 10 cm long and is really light brown or gray with some dark spots. It has peculiar pads on its fingers that allow it to easily climb walls and ceilings.
Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
This is another typical animal of Spain, in fact, it is native to the region and introduced to others. It is similar to other species of lynx, but its weight varies from 11 to 15 kg and it measures between 0.8 and 1 meter approximately. It feeds almost exclusively on the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), another native animal of Spain, France and Portugal. It lives in thickets or in the ecotones (transition spaces), between these ecosystems and grasslands.
Unfortunately, the Iberian lynx is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat, poaching and the decline in the population of its main prey. Although currently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicates that its population is growing, it continues to be exposed to the aforementioned threats.
Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)
The Iberian wolf is another of Spain's most typical animals. This is a subspecies of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), but it is distributed in a restricted way compared to the species in the Iberian Peninsula. There has been some controversy regarding its classification, but the IUCN recognizes it as you just indicated [1]
Measures between 0.70 and almost a meter in height, with a length of around 1.40 meters and a slim build. It has a white coloration on the snout and dark spots towards the tail and front legs, which distinguishes it from other types of wolves.
Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Also called Iberian wild goat or mountain goat, this type of goat is another native animal of Spain, in fact, it is currently only distributed in the countryand has been reintroduced in Portugal, as it is extinct in other areas of Europe.
The Spanish ibex is grayish-brown in color, weighs between 35 and 80 kg and measures 0.65 to 0.75 meters in height and between 1 and 1.4 meters in length. It lives in thickets, cliffs, rocky and wooded areas, which is why it is considered one of the most representative mountain animals in Spain.
Iberian shrew (Sorex granarius)
This species of shrew is typical of Spain and Portugal It is approximately 10 cm long and weighs around 6 grams. Adults have tan sides, a dark back, and a whitish belly. It is distributed in various habitats, which include areas of different types of forests, areas with streams or significant humidity, thickets, rocky areas and even cultivated areas.
Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti)
It is a bird of prey typical of the Iberian zone of Spain and Portugal Its weight ranges from 2.5 to 5 kg, It measures between 0.7 and 0.85 meters and the wingspan can exceed 2 meters. As for the coloration, it presents a combination of brown, reddish and white tones. Without a doubt, it is a majestic bird.
The highest reproductive level is in Spain and develops in alluvial plains, marsh dunes, hills and mountainous areas. Unfortunately, the IUCN considers it to be in a vulnerable state due to the destruction of its habitat and the intrusion of invasive species, among other causes.
Other endemic animals of Spain
As you have seen, the fauna of Spain is very varied and goes far beyond the worldwide known fighting bull, an animal that You will probably have been surprised not to see it on our list. Although it is true that it is one of the most typical animals in Spain, it is not the only one and, for this reason, we have highlighted other species that also deserve special mention. Returning to the bull mentioned, unfortunately it is popular for cruel bullfights, a practice that we do not approve of under any circumstances.
In addition to the animals named, there are still many more animal species endemic to Spain or typical of this country, such as the following:
- Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
- Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Iberian Mole (Talpa occidentalis)
- European mink (Mustela lutreola)
- Atlantic Lizard (Gallotia atlantica)
- Haría Lizard (Gallotia atintica)
- Black lizard (Gallotia galloti)
- Iberian skink (Chalcides bedriagai)
- Dog lizard (Iberolacerta cyreni)
- Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
- Long-toed bat (Myotis capaccinii)
- White-tailed Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae)
- Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini)
- Iberian brown bear (Ursus arctos pyrenaicus)
