Table of Contents
Are wolves found in Spain?
In recent years, wolves have moved into areas such as the Guadarrama mountains north of Madrid and near the city of Ávila, to the west of the capital. There are now some 2,500 Iberian wolves: around 2,000 are in Spain – the largest wolf population in western Europe – and the rest in Portugal.
Is the Iberian wolf going extinct in Spain?
We can find the Iberian wolves on the Iberian peninsula, in northern Portugal and mostly north-western Spain. Although the Red List of Spanish vertebrates categorises the Iberian wolf as ‘endangered’, the Spanish Red List of land mammals categorises them as ‘low risk’.
Where does the Iberian wolf live in Spain?
northern Spain
The Spanish wolf, Canis lupus signatus, also known as the Iberian wolf, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family which can weigh up to 45 kg. It mainly lives in the forests, mountains and steppes of northern Spain and feeds on small vertebrates.
Do Portugal have wolves?
The wolves found in Portugal and Spain are a sub-species of grey wolf bearing the scientific name Canis lupus signatus (the Iberian wolf). Protected by Portuguese law since 1988, today this iconic species remains in a precarious position.
Where can you see wolves in Spain?
Sierra de la Culebra, Spain The rugged Sierra de la Culebra mountain range in Spain is a habitat for the Iberian wolf. It’s irrefutably one of the best areas in southern Europe to spot wolves in the wild today, although this wasn’t always the case.
What big cats live in Spain?
Wild cats in Spain
- Felis silvestris silvestris , north of Iberian Peninsula.
- Felis silvestris tartessia , south of the Duero and Ebro . Slighter larger than silvestris.
- Felis lybica jordansi or African mountain cat, present on Mallorca .
How tall is a Iberian wolf?
Height is 70–90cm and body length 110–140cm. Females weigh 25–35kg while Males weigh 35–55kg.
Where are the wolves in Portugal?
The Côa Valley in Portugal is one of the best places to spot wildlife, including the Iberian wolf. This species is under threat, but the small population can still be seen roaming around in this natural corridor at the end of the country’s famous wine route.