Lair of the Lynx

During this 8 day wildlife tour, you will visit some of the best wilderness locations in Spain for a range of wildlife, including a relatively large amount of mammals, which is unusual for Europe.

 

The gently rolling hills of Sierra de Andújar form part of the vast Sierra Morena, which is densely wooded and boasts one of Andalucia's best-preserved expanses of Mediterranean forest and scrubland. Flowing through the rocky hills is the Yeguas river, with many lovely spots to sit and meditate along its banks. Its more remote areas are inhabited by an impressive number of endangered species, such as the Iberian lynx, wolf, black vulture and Spanish imperial eagle.

 

In the dry scrub forests of southern Spain you will begin your search for another of the rarest carnivore in Europe and the rarest species of cat in the world.

The Iberian lynx began its separation and speciation from the larger and more widespread Eurasian lynx during the ice ages, the glaciation periods covered northern Europe with a vast ice sheet and animals fled south into various refuges. One of which was southern Spain and the hills and mountains of Sierra de Andujar. Over generations, the Iberian lynx become genetically distinct from the Eurasian lynx and the Pyrenees now form the cut-off point for the two species.

 

During the tour, we would be in the field looking for the stunning Iberian lynx and other wildlife. The rugged, dry and rocky hills and mountains of the region is some of the best-preserved Mediterranean forests in the Iberian Peninsula. Birds of prey are a common sight, particularly the Spanish imperial and golden eagles that nest on the most inaccessible rocky peaks, like those in the Garganta de Valquemado, as well as Eurasian griffon vultures, common buzzards and various owls, many of which breed here. There is a significant colony of black vultures west of the Jándula reservoir, near the Valtraviesa, Parra and Despeñaperros rivers. Nesting in the steep cliffs in the very north of the park, in Sierra Quintana, are Egyptian vultures, golden eagles and red-billed choughs.

 

Apart from the lynx and wolf, mammals inhabiting the Sierra include Eurasian roe deer, western red deer, European mouflon, Eurasian wild pigs, Eurasian wild cats and Egyptian mongooses.

 

Other inhabitants of the watercourses are common chiffchaffs, warblers, golden orioles, nightingales, grey and purple herons, little grebes, coots, and the ubiquitous mallard.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Sierra de Andujar NP Travelling & Wildlife Watching

 

This morning you will be collected by your local guide and lynx specialist guide from Malaga airport after your arrival .

You will then be taken direct up towards Sierra de Andujar in the hills of northern Andalucia. After arriving you will check into the hotel and then (if you have arrived in the morning) have the afternoon in the field looking for this incredible animal and other species. If you arrive in the afternoon the rest of the day will be free for you to rest and relax today.

 

Accommodation: La Caracola Casas Rural – or similar (Guest House)

Food: Dinner

Transportation: Private vehicle & Walking

 

Days 2-7/8 Sierra de Andujar Wildlife Watching

 

For the next few full days you will spend time in the field looking for the stunning Iberian lynx and other wildlife. The rugged, dry and rocky hills and mountains of the region is some of the best preserved Mediterranean forest in the Iberian Peninsula. Primarily this is open and spacious oak forest, comprised of holm, gall and cork oak, though alder, ash and poplars are to be found at the margins of rivers, glades and meadows. In this quiet and relatively unpopulated region, Spain’s wild animals thrive. As well as Iberian lynx, wolves, Eurasian otters, Eurasian wild pig, European mouflon and western red deer are all to be found. These mountains also hold a large population of Eurasian griffon vultures, as well as good numbers of the rare black vulture and Spanish imperial eagle. Amongst the oak forest that clads these hills are grassy glades and secluded valleys where the lynx hunt rabbits, rest amongst the rocks, and raise their young in ancient, hollowed oaks. Here live the majority (perhaps 70% or more) of the world’s remaining Iberian lynx. Perhaps here, in a refuge from the modern world, the Iberian lynx has a chance of survival.

You will search for the lynx in a couple of ways, walking around the trails and checking out water sources and likely places for the lynx to be as well as staking out a few good vantage points and scanning the slopes looking for the lynx. All the time you will be with your local guide and able to decide on where you want to go and what you would like to focus on.

We have access to private estates around here, it is here as much as the national park (or more often at some times of year) that the lynxes are often found.

Our guides are also an expert in birds and we can focus on certain species of birds too. Some of the most notable species of birds include the Iberian blue-winged magpie, Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagles and many other species.

 

Accommodation: La Caracola Casas Rural – or similar (Guest House)

Food: All meals

Transportation: Private vehicle & Walking

 

Day  7/8 Sierra de Andujar Wildlife Watching - Home Departure

 

Today is your last on this wildlife holiday, after breakfast you will visit the woodlands again. Depending on what we have already seen and what you are interested in trying to find we will leave todays activities up for discussion. Also depending on your flight, you will be transferred to your chosen airport (usually Malaga) in time to catch your return flight home.

 

Accommodation: NA

Food: Breakfast

Transportation: Private vehicle & Walking.

** This itinerary is indicative and the number of days can be modified.