What ungulates are there in our National Parks?

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

From the snow-capped peaks of the highest peaks to the crystal-clear waters lapping 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 emblematic corners and the unforgettable experiences that await you in each of these wildlife sanctuaries.

In our last news, we announced that recreational hunting is not allowed in these parks, a fact that is causing problems with overpopulations of mostly ungulates (read the news here) . In Spain there are 16 National Parks, of which 14 have the presence of wild ungulates, both native (chamois, ibex, roe deer, deer and wild boar) and introduced (mouflon, fallow deer or roe). We are going to make these parks and their ungulates known.

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park

Life extends between the rocks of the mountains and the forests of the valleys of the Reserve. Among the species of mammals that populate this territory, the Pyrenean chamois or chamois stands out among them all . An animal that usually moves, in small herds, through pastures and slopes located at higher altitudes. Along with them, we find wild boars and the much appreciated northern roe deer .

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici

It was created in 1955, making it the fifth national park in Spain and the second in the Pyrenees, along with Ordesa and Monte Perdido. It is one of the Spanish reserves with the most different species of ungulates, among which it is worth highlighting the high density of wild boars , we also find fallow deer , deer , wild boars , roe deer and the sarrios live in the peaks of the Park .

Peaks of Europe

In this area, the wolf and the wild boar quickly became a problem and the Cantabrian government allowed raids to control these species. You can also see the emblematic Cantabrian chamois among its peaks, roe deer or mountain deer .

Atlantic Islands

Wild boars colonized the island of Cortegada, in the Atlantic Islands National Park, experts warn of the danger they pose to the more than 600 varieties of mushrooms that can be found there and shellfish harvesters in the area are also seeing their catches diminish. due to the presence of these animals. At the mouth of the Arousa estuary you can also hear the bellowing of large deer introduced five years ago that share the bush with horses and goats.

Guadarrama

The fauna that lives in the highest areas of the Sierra, above the tree line, has a markedly seasonal character; Since late spring the summits are frequented by a multitude of animals that, however, begin to disappear as autumn progresses. Most descend to lower areas or die after completing their annual cycle. Only a few spend the unfavorable season sheltered under the snow. The protagonists of the leafy pine forest are the roe deer and wild boars , although in the rocky areas we can also find Hispanic goats .

Monfragüe

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

Cabañeros

The Cabañeros National Park allowed hunting again after the damage caused by the overpopulation of deer. The Board of Trustees approved an ungulate management plan that will allow the owners of private properties to be paid to stop the large volume of fauna. The plan, which arrives "very late", according to these owners, will continue without authorizing the hunting of deer , wild boar , fallow deer and mouflon for commercial and sporting use.

Doñana

The Doñana National Park, declared in 1969, is one of the most important protected areas in the Andalusian territory and the largest ecological reserve in Europe. Large ungulates and aquatic birds can be easily observed in a territory that, each season, offers a different landscape. In it we can find deer , wild boar and fallow deer .

Sierra de las Nieves

The Sierra de las Nieves National Park stands out for the great variety of landscapes and ecosystems it boasts and this is due to the complex geology and geomorphology it presents, as well as the special climatic conditions to which it is exposed. In it we can find the mythical Rondeña goat , roe deer and wild boar .

Sierra Nevada

Its steep peaks, while dominating an immense horizon, dotted with towns and hamlets, with meadows full of vegetables, are covered with snow and ice, which at an altitude of 9,180 feet are perpetual, despite the mild climate of the region. picturesque country that surrounds them. The mountain goat reigns in its peaks, accompanied by wild boars and deer .

Canary Islands

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

In the Canary Islands, an example of this phenomenon was the introduction, at the beginning of the 1970s, of mouflons and muflons in the national parks of Teide and Caldera de Taburiente, respectively, which caused a serious impact on the endemic flora of these spaces.