The Fauna Of The Doñana Nature Reserve
The Doñana Nature Reserve is a huge protected natural space located in Andalusia, in southern Spain. In its more than 116,000 hectares there are the Doñana National Park and the Doñana Natural Park (formerly called Doñana Environmental Natural Park).
Currently, Doñana is considered one of the most important nature reserves on the European continent. This is due to the diversity of the fauna and flora that populate the entire extension, including numerous endangered species.
In this article, we invite you to discover the fauna of the park and what makes this place so special and important for environmental conservation in Europe.
The climate and ecosystem of the Doñana Natural Park
Among the enchanting landscapes of Doñana, there are three main ecosystems : the Mediterranean scrub, with sandy soils and some floodplains, the swamp and the pine forests.
The predominant climate is Mediterranean, characterized by dry summers and relatively humid winters. However, the most abundant rains come during the spring and mainly in the autumn.
The park’s temperatures are mild throughout the year and average 17 ºC. Maximum temperatures in summer can reach 30ºC, while minimum temperatures in winter are rarely below 8ºC.
Birds: the great protagonists of Doñana’s fauna
The typical fauna of Doñana is characterized by the great biodiversity of birds. In fact, over 360 species of birds that live permanently or transiently in the park have been cataloged.
Among these, about 125 species usually reproduce in its ecosystem.
Doñana also represents a milestone for the migratory journeys of birds moving between Africa and Europe.
Furthermore, it is the cradle of conservation for various native species of Spain and the European continent that are in danger of extinction.
Some bird species found in Doñana
Among the wide variety of species that make up the fauna of Doñana, we can mention:
- Mallard (frieze, royal and wigeon)
- Starling (black, black and white)
- Flamingo
- Royal heron
- Swallow
- Sparrow and finch
- Owl (common and field)
- Kingfisher
- Royal duck
- Nightingale
- Goose (common and field)
- Owl
- Vulture (fawn and black)
- Crow
- Quail
- Accipitride (ash, marsh and pale)
- Lark
- Eagle
Other animals typical of Doñana
The Doñana Natural Park has also cataloged more than 35 mammal species, 20 freshwater fish, 10 amphibian species and about 13 reptiles. Below, we list some of the most emblematic species that reside in the park.
Mammals
- Iberian lynx
- Leopard
- Boar
- Horse
- Cow Marismeña
- European hedgehog
- deer
- Field rabbit
- Bat
Reptiles and amphibians
- Snake
- Black turtle
- Common chameleon
- European tortoise
- Frog
- Toad
- Gecko
Fish
- Eel (native species)
- Carp, gambusia and pike (invasive species)
Endangered species in Doñana
Although the reserve is the habitat of many vulnerable or endangered species, there are two animals that stand out as the most threatened. The most endangered species in Doñana are the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle.
The Iberian lynx
The Iberian lynx, today, is considered the most endangered feline on the entire planet. Its population is greatly reduced both in Doñana and in the natural parks of the Sierra de Andujar and Cardeña.
The El Acebuche breeding center is located in Doñana , where a captive Iberian lynx breeding program takes place. In addition to the 11 specimens born in captivity, the center also monitors about 30 lynxes caught in the park.
The imperial eagle
The situation of the imperial eagle is as alarming as that of the Iberian lynx; it is one of the most endangered birds in Europe. At present, only 10 pairs of these species are recorded in Doñana Park and their ecosystems represent some of their main and few remaining refuges.
