What ungulates are there in our National Parks?

may 3, 2024

Welcome to a journey through the green lungs of Spain, where nature unfolds its grandeur in landscapes of incomparable beauty. Spain's National Parks are true natural treasures that captivate visitors from around the world with their biological diversity, spectacular views, and unique ecosystems.

From the snow-capped peaks of the highest mountains to the crystal-clear waters that caress pristine beaches, each of Spain's 16 national parks tells a unique story of conservation and biodiversity. In this blog, we invite you to delve into this fascinating natural world, discovering the most iconic spots and the unforgettable experiences that await you in each of these wildlife sanctuaries.

In our last news item, we announced that recreational hunting is not permitted in these parks, a fact that is causing problems with overpopulations of mostly ungulates (read the news here) . There are 16 National Parks in Spain, 14 of which are home to wild ungulates, both native (chamois, ibex, roe deer, red deer, and wild boar) and introduced (mouflon, fallow deer, and barbary sheep). We're going to introduce you to these parks and their ungulates.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Life extends among the rocks of the mountains and the forests of the valleys of the Reserve. Among the mammal species that populate this territory, the Pyrenean chamois stands out . This animal typically moves in small herds across the pastures and slopes located at higher altitudes. Along with them, we find wild boars and the highly prized northern roe deer .

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici

It was created in 1955, making it Spain's fifth national park and the second in the Pyrenees, along with Ordesa and Monte Perdido. It is one of the Spanish reserves with the largest number of different ungulate species, including a high density of wild boar . We also find fallow deer , red deer , wild boar, roe deer , and chamois , and the park's peaks are home to chamois .

Picos de Europa

In this area, wolves and wild boars quickly became a problem, and the Cantabrian government authorized hunting drives to control these species. You can also see the emblematic Cantabrian chamois among its beaks, as well as roe deer and mountain deer .

Atlantic Islands

Wild boars have colonized Cortegada Island in the Atlantic Islands National Park. Experts warn of the danger they pose to the more than 600 varieties of mushrooms found there, and shellfish gatherers in the area are also seeing their catches reduced due to their presence. At the mouth of the Arousa estuary, you can also hear the bellowing of large deer introduced five years ago, which share the scrubland with horses and goats.

Guadarrama

The fauna that inhabits the highest areas of the Sierra, above the tree line, is markedly seasonal; from late spring, the peaks are frequented by a multitude of animals, but they begin to disappear as autumn progresses. Most descend to lower areas or die after completing their annual cycle. Only a few survive the unfavorable season sheltered under the snow. The main features of the leafy pine forest are roe deer and wild boar , although Spanish ibex can also be found in the rocky outcrops .

Monfragüe

The Board of Trustees of Monfragüe National Park met in 2023 following the problem of overpopulation of species such as red deer , wild boar , roe deer , goat , mouflon , and fallow deer . It agreed by a majority to approve population control of species through hunting without dogs and without commercial or economic purposes on publicly owned properties.

Cabañeros

Cabañeros National Park has reopened hunting after the damage caused by deer overpopulation. The Board of Trustees approved a ungulate management plan that will allow private property owners to be paid to curb the large number of wildlife. The plan, which comes "too late," according to these owners, will continue to prohibit the hunting of deer , wild boar , fallow deer , and mouflon for commercial and recreational purposes.

Doñana

Doñana National Park, declared in 1969, is one of the most important protected areas in Andalusia and the largest ecological reserve in Europe. Large ungulates and waterfowl can be easily observed in an area that offers a different landscape every season. Deer , wild boar , and fallow deer are also found here .

Sierra de las Nieves

The Sierra de las Nieves National Park stands out for its wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, due to its complex geology and geomorphology, as well as the unique climatic conditions to which it is exposed. Here, we can find the legendary Ronda goat , roe deer , and wild boar .

Sierra Nevada

Its steep peaks, while dominating an immense horizon dotted with villages and hamlets, with verdant meadows, are covered with snow and ice, which at an altitude of 9,180 feet is perpetual, despite the mild climate of the picturesque surrounding country. The mountain goat reigns on its peaks, accompanied by wild boar and deer .

Canary Islands

The phenomenon of species introductions in Spain is the order of the day, the most recent being the European bison, which you can read about at this link: https://www.youngwildhunters.com/blogs/noticias/bisontes-en-la-sierra-de-andujar

In the Canary Islands, an example of this phenomenon was the introduction, in the early 1970s, of mouflons and arruis into the Teide and Caldera de Taburiente national parks, respectively, which had a serious impact on the endemic flora of these areas.