Andalusia Flora and Fauna

The Flora of Andalusia is diverse and rich, with a mixture of Mediterranean species and some of more tropical origin. The main types of vegetation include:

• Mediterranean forests: Encinas, cork oaks and complains predominate. These trees are mainly in mountainous areas and provide an essential habitat for many animal species. In this link you can know the Mediterranean forest better: characteristics, flora and fauna.
• Mepartrales: In the most arid and lower altitude areas, thickets are common. Here are plants such as rosemary, thyme, jara and esparto. These plants are adapted to dry and hot summers typical of the region. Here you can read more about the bushes: what are, types and fauna.
• Ribera forests or gallery: Throughout the rivers, you can find poplars, ash and sauces, which help maintain soil stability and provide refuge to various species of birds and small mammals. You can know them better here Gallery Forest: What is, Flora and Fauna.
• Coastal vegetation: The Andalusian coast host dunes with vegetation adapted to salinity and wind, such as barrón and almajo. In the wettest areas of the Marismas of Guadalquivir, species such as Salicornia and Taje highlight.

As for fauna, it is equally varied and is composed of endemic and migratory species. Some of the most emblematic animals are:

• Mammals: The Iberian Lince, one of the most threatened cats in the world, finds one of its last shelters in Andalusia. In addition, deer, wild boars and mountains can be observed in the mountains and natural parks.
• Birds: Andalusia is a crucial point for migratory routes of many birds. In the marshes and wet areas you can see flamenco, stork and herons. In the mountains and forests, the imperial eagle and the black vulture stand out. Here you can know some types of vultures.
• Reptiles and amphibians: The region houses a great diversity of reptiles, such as the common chameleon, ocerated lizards and ladder snakes. Among the amphibians, the common frogs and the sapo corridor are common.
• Fish and Marine Life: The Andalusian coasts and the Strait of Gibraltar are rich in marine biodiversity. Here are species such as red tuna, silly turtle and various types of dolphins and whales.

• Oak (Quercus ilex): This tree is emblematic of Mediterranean forests. With its wide cup and perennial leaves, the oak provides shadow and food, mainly through its acorns, which are vital for species such as the Iberian pig.
• Cork oak (Quercus suber): Similar to the oak, the cork oak is known for its thick bark that is used to produce cork. It is common in the mountains of Cádiz and Malaga.
• QUEJIGO (Quercus Faginea): This oak, which can be found in more humid areas, is less known than oak and cork oak but equally important in the Mediterranean ecosystem.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): An aromatic plant that grows in thickets and garrigas. Its blue flowers and fragrant leaves are characteristic of dry and sunny landscapes. In this link you will know the types of rosemary.
• Thyme (Thymus spp.): Similar to rosemary, thyme is another common aromatic plant in dry areas. It is valued both by its culinary use and its medicinal properties. Here you can know the thyme: properties, benefits and contraindications and the care of thyme.
• Jara (Cistus spp.): With their white or pink flowers, the jaras are typical of the Mediterranean bushes and adapt well to poor and stony soils. Here you can know the Jara plant: care and characteristics.
• Esparto (Stipe Tenacissima): A grass that grows in arid soils and is known for its traditional uses in the manufacture of strings and baskets.

• Iberian lynx (Lynx Pardinus): This feline is one of the symbols of Andalusian fauna and the most threatened in the world. Thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are increasing in natural parks such as Doñana and Sierra de Andújar. Know here the different types of lynx.
• Deer (Cervus elaphus): This herbivorous is common in the Sierras and Natural Parks. The deer are especially visible during the Berrea, the period of zeal in autumn.
• Jabalí (Your scrofa): omnivorous and adaptable, the wild boar inhabits various environments, from forests to agricultural areas. Its presence is significant in most natural parks in the region. Know different types of wild boar.
• Montés goat (Pyrenaica Capra): Inhabitant of the mountains and mountains, especially in Sierra Nevada and the Serranía de Ronda, the Montés goat is known for its agility and ability to climb steep slopes.
• Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila Adalberti): One of the most emblematic and endangered raptors. It can be found in areas such as Doñana National Park.
• Common flamenco (Phoenicopterus roseus): These birds are a spectacular view in the Marshs of Guadalquivir and in the Lagunas de Fuente de Piedra. Its large colonies and pink plumage are iconic. In this link you will discover the different types of flamenco.
• Common chameleon (CHAMAELEO CHAMAELEON): This reptile is known for its ability to change color and its slow and cautious way of moving. It is common in coastal areas and Mediterranean forests. In this other post you can see the different types of chameleons.

Andalusia houses a rich biodiversity, but many of its species of flora and fauna are in danger of extinction due to the loss of habitats, pollution, climate change and other human activities. As for Andalusia fauna in danger of extinction we highlight:

• Pinsapo (Abies Pinsapo): This fir is an endemic species of the Sierras de Grazalema, Las Nieves and Bermeja. It is in danger due to deforestation, climate change and forest fires.
• Cazorla Violet (Viola Cazorlensis): This plant is endemic to the Sierra de Cazorla and is threatened by the loss of habitat and indiscriminate collection.
• Lily of Cabo de Gata (IRIS Planifolia): Endemic from the Cabo de Gata region, this lily is in danger due to urbanization and tourism.

As for Andalusia fauna in danger of extinction, we have emblematic species such as the Iberian lynx, the Iberian Iberian eagle and the common chameleon mentioned above, but also other species such as:

• Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus): Although historically present on the Andalusian coast, today is extremely rare due to hunting, pollution and degradation of their habitats. In this other post we talk about the in danger of extinction.
• Betic departure toad (Alytes Dickhilleni): This endemic amphibian of the Betic Sierras is threatened by the loss of habitat and contamination of waters.
• Black stork (Ciconia Nigra): Unlike the white stork, the black stork is rarely and prefers forested areas and banks. It is in danger due to deforestation and human disturbance.

Now that you know the flora and fauna of Andalusia, as well as concrete species that are in danger in that area, we recommend knowing the plants in danger of extinction in Spain and in danger of extinction in Spain.

If you want to read more articles similar to Andalusia Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.