! Spanish News Today – From the brink of extinction to prime: 5 Spanish animals making a remarkable recovery

These iconic species have been given a second chance and are now thriving in various parts of it 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 iconic animals have been given a second chance to thrive and 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 dropped out of the endangered category and its range has expanded by 70% since the 1980s. These days, although elusive, the brown bear can be spotted occasionally in areas of Asturias, León, Palentia and Lugo, while some have also been observed in Zamora and Ourense.

Iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx is one of the most impressive examples of conservation success. At the end of the 20th century, only 60 adult specimens remained, but thanks to joint efforts between private agencies and governments, the population reached 2,000 individuals.

Road accidents and poaching are still threats, but habitat protection and the preservation of its main food source, the rabbit, have been crucial to its recovery.

imperial eagle

Protecting its habitat has allowed the eagle to expand from a few strongholds in Toledo to a large part of the country.

Otter

A little-known contender, this otter species, a small but iconic animal, was on the brink 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 European otter.

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

Osprey

Although it still faces threats like power lines and wind turbines, 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 cooperation, determination and overall commitment to conservation.

Images 1 & 4: Freepik

Figure 2: Brown Bear Foundation

Figure 3: CARM

Figure 5: Animal Expert

Figure 6: Bearded Vulture Conservation Foundation