On the lookout for the Iberian lynx in Spain: Sierra de Andujar tour
Natural park
Sierra de Andújar
Seasons
Winter
À la carte
2-4 days Iberian lynx tour
– Refuge of the Iberian Lynx
– Large mammals and raptors
– Spain iconic fauna
Region
Spain/ Andalusia
Meeting point
Seville / Malaga
Specialized service
Small parties
The Iberian lynx tour includes some of the most attractive behaviors and reproduction of wild animals in Andalusia. Sierra Morena’s populations of threatened mammals and birds of prey provide an almost ‘magnetic’ attraction for nature observers.
Sierra de Andújar, the most famous protected area in Sierra Morena, is a long granite chain that separates Andalusia from the rest of Spain and is mostly known for hosting populations of large mammals. We will visit the Natural Park in winter (December-January) at the peak season for Iberian lynx sightings… when the cats are in heat and most active. The feline is undoubtedly an Andalusian “Big 5”.
On the lookout for the rarest of the large cats
On the program: the best observation sites for the Iberian lynx which offer many other species of interest such as the imperial eagle or the golden eagle. We will explore the banks of the Río Jandula where more wildlife awaits us. If luck smiles on us, the otter. We will arrange a visit to a private visit to a finca to enjoy better conditions for lynx observations and more tranquility.
We take you to one of the rare natural areas in Europe which ensures observations of large mammals and birds of prey…
This trip requires long periods of observation in the field: a very particular form of observing nature. In the evening, possible visit of a pond for amphibians.
Housing nearby in the mountains. Between the airport and Andújar, we will plan stops to observe more fauna, and especially water birds.
… in the Sierra Morena’s most renowned park : Andújar N.P.
The Iberian lynx tour includes some of the most attractive behaviors and reproduction of wild animals in Andalusia. Sierra Morena’s populations of threatened mammals and birds of prey provide an almost ‘magnetic’ attraction for nature observers .
Sierra de Andújar, the most famous protected area in Andalusia.
On the lookout for the rarest of the large cats
Sierra Morena, a long granite chain that separates Andalusia from the rest of Spain, and is mostly known for hosting populations of large mammals. We will visit the Natural Park in winter (December-January) at the peak season for Iberian lynx sightings… when the cats are in heat and most active. The feline is undoubtedly an Andalusian “Big 5”.
… in the Sierra Morena’s most renowned park : Andújar N.P.
On the program: the best observation sites for the lynx which offer many other species of interest such as the imperial eagle or the golden eagle. We will explore the banks of the Río Jandula where more wildlife awaits us. If luck smiles on us, the otter. We will arrange a visit to a private visit to a finca to enjoy better conditions for lynx observations and more tranquility.
This trip requires long periods of observation in the field: a very particular form of observing nature. In the evening, possible visit of a pond for amphibians.
This safari offers great opportunities for wildlife photography.
Housing nearby in the mountains. `Between the airport and Andújar, we will plan stops to observe more fauna, and especially water birds.
We take you to one of the rare natural areas in Europe which ensures observations of large mammals and birds of prey…
INCLUDE
- A wildlife watching travel lead by local nature guide. Groups 1-4 (up to 8) people.
- Half board (picnics by the participants).
- Double rooms (single room supplement).
- Does not include round-trip flights by plane.
Bonus
Quite simply, one of the best wildlife safari in Europe.
Mammals to observe at an Iberian lynx tour
Red deer
Fallow deer
European mouflon
Spanish ibex
Wild boar
Wild rabbit
Red deer
Fallow deer
European mouflon
Spanish ibex
Wild boar
Wild rabbit
Sierra Morena’s raptors
Imperial eagle
Golden eagle
Black vulture
Griffon vulture
Goshawk
Sparrowhawk
Imperial eagle
Golden eagle
Black vulture
Griffon vulture
Goshawk
Sparrowhawk
Étudiez le guide illustré des Oiseaux des marais en Andalousie.
Common winter birds in Sierra de Andujar
Azure winged magpie
Iberian woodpecker
Crag martin
Sardinian warbler
Hawfinch
Rock bunting
Azure winged magpie
Iberian woodpecker
Crag martin
Sardinian warbler
Hawfinch
Rock bunting
Where to look for the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal?
Locations of Lynx observations in a citizen science scheme. Source: iNaturalist.org
Andalusia served as refuge for the Iberian lynx in Spain in recent decades, espececially when the species was on the brink of the extinction with less than 100 idivididuals detected in the early 2000. Those strongholds are considered the best areas for iconic and large wildlife, especially for the mammals and carnivores. The most reknown is no other than Doñana National Park, one of the largest coastal protected area in Europe and where most of the pionnering studies were carried out. Populations of the big cat has expanded recently close to Sevilla in Aljarafe district. The second area is central Sierra Morena, encompassing Andújar and Cardeña Natural Parks, which hunting private estates have kept a high degree of wilderness.
Andújar is widely recognized as the best spot for an Iberian Lynx tour, with more visitors looking at the cat every year. In 2000, the area was allready popular, but mostly among local nature lovers. Since then, attraction has grown in whole Spain and Europe and private finca dedicated to Lynx observations have started to flourished.
Best time of the year for a lynx safari in Andalusia
Frequency of observations sorted by months following the hydrological period. Source: Observation.org
Winter months show a peak of lynx observations in Andalusia with up to four times more observations than during the rest of the year. The period running from december to february coincides with the rut, when social interactions reach their climax, and optimal climatic conditions, without heat, favouring day-light activities of the animals. European rabbits are also very active and large raptors usually diplay their courtship in the sky.
Evolution of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) world population
World population size since 2002. Source: MITECO.
Recent evolution of Iberian lynx populations have been very positive in recent years, with a spectacular increase of individuals since 2015. This global figure has to be balanced looking closely at the situation in the previous feuds of the species in Andalusia: the Doñana-Aljarafe population remains very low (<100 individuals), especially in the National Park where the European rabbits declined severely while the Andújar-Cardeña population has stabilized around 200 individuals for more than 10 years. Demographic gains thanks to re-introductions programs in Sierra Morena (Guadalmellato, Guarrizas, Castilla La Mancha) and outside this mountain range such as Matachel (Extremadura), Montes de Toledo (Castilla La Mancha) and Guadiana (Portugal).
Sierra Morena
Huelva, Seville, Cordoba, Jaen provinces – wooded and unpopulated, refuge for large wildlife.
At the north of Andalusia, Sierra Morena is an ancient granitic, eroded and low-altitude mountain range. Its poor soils only allow for low agricultural yield and forced human ingenuity, which developed in response the dehesa (wood pasture), an agro-silvopastoral culture typical of Iberian landscapes.
