Doñana Flora and Fauna

• Doñana has remarkable plant diversity, adapted to its different ecosystems. One of the most striking ecosystems are THE MARISMS. This ecosystem is dominated by halophyte plantsthat is, those capable of resisting high salinity levels. Among the most common species are Salicornia, the sea laundress and the swords. Here you can learn more about what the marshes are.
• The Doñana dunes They are habitat of a flora adapted to aridity and to the sandy floor. You can find plants such as sea lily, barrel or cat nail. We can also find the Pinar de Doñana. This area is mainly covered by pine pine trees and resine pine, although oaks and cork oaks can also be found. Species such as heather and jaguarzo abound on the ground.
• The acebuchales They are Acebuche forests, a kind of wild olive that adapts well to poor and stony soils. Next to the acebuche, it is common to find slow, aladdiernos and heather.
• As for fauna, it is equally diverse and unique, with species adapted to the different habitats offered by the park. We can find Water birdssince this natural space is an important rest and wintering place to migratory birdssuch as the real land, the common spatula and the pink flamenco. There are also reproductive populations of species such as the royal heron and the avetorillo.
• Among the mammals that live in Doñana are the deer, the wild boar, the melloncillo and the fox. Is also known for being one of the last Iberian Lince sheltersone of the most threatened felines in the world.
• In the Wet areas of Doñana It is possible to find a great diversity of amphibianslike the corridor toad and the common frog. As for reptiles, species such as the staircase and Iberian slut stand out.
• The water courses that doñana are going through, such as The Guadalquivir Riverthey house a variety of fish, such as the eel and the barbo. In the marshes, it is possible to find crustaceans such as the red crab and the fresh water shrimp.

In this other article we tell you what the national and natural parks are, such as Doñana’s National Park.

The flora extends in other ecosystems such as the following:

• Saladars: Saladars are areas with saline soils that house a specialized flora in tolerate extreme conditions. In these areas you can find plants such as The evergreenthe Limonium and the alwaysvive of Marsh, adapted to the high concentration of salts in the ground.
• Brezales y Mincrales: In the driest and highest areas of Doñana, the Brezales and Mistorrales dominate the landscape. Species such as The rosemarythe thyme, the broom and The jarawhich are resistant to drought and heat.
• Riparia vegetation: Throughout the water courses and in the wet areas a riparian vegetation is developed composed of SaucesTaracas and Adelfas, which provide refuge and food to a variety of animals, including water birds and fish.
• Dunar vegetation: Mobile dunes are covered by vegetation adapted to wind conditions and lack of substrate. Among the most representative species are THE BARRIONthe Blanco Barrón and the Owl of the Sea, which are part of a delicate ecological balance.
• Endemic species: Doñana houses several endemic plant species, that is, they are found exclusively in this region. Some examples include The Violet of Doñanathe Marisma Narcissus and the sea carob, which are adapted to the unique ecosystems present in the park.

Adding to everything we have talked about before about the characteristics of the fauna we will see groups of species that are in this protected natural space:

• Invertebrates: Among them are various species of insects such as butterflies, dragonflies and beetles, as well as arachnids and mollusks.
• Migratory birds: In spring and autumn, millions of birds can be stumbled in the parishes and wetlands of the park, including raptors such as the black milano, common flamenco and The fisherman eagle. Here you can discover more about migratory birds: names and photos.
• Migratory fish: Among them stand out sturgeonthe barbo and the sea wolf, which perform long migrations from the sea to the sweet waters to reproduce.
• Aquatic mammals: In the waters of the Doñana National Park it is possible to find marine mammals such as The common dolphin and the Calderón, which occasionally enter the Guadalquivir river estuary in search of food. In addition, in Doñana there is also the otter, which is also an aquatic mammal.
• Crustaceans and mollusks: Wetlands and estuaries are habitat of a wide variety of crustaceans and mollusks, such as crabs, prawns and clams.
• Aquatic reptiles: In fresh and brackish water systems several species of reptiles adapted to aquatic life, such as water snake and The turtle Mora.
• Terrestrial mammals: Among this group of animals in Doñana stand out The Iberian lynxEl Zorro, the Building, The Montés Cat, The Deer, The Gamo, El Jabalí, La Jineta, El Turón, La Comadreja, El Meloncillo, The Field Mouse, The Topo, The Iberian harethe rabbit, the musaraña, the hedgehog, the dwarf bat, etc.

As we have mentioned at the beginning of the article, this National Park is not the best conditions. This is the reason that there are some species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction:

• Iberian lynx: Possibly Doñana’s most emblematic species in danger of extinction has faced serious threats over the years, such as habitat loss, primeness of dams and mortality from abuse. However, conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and measures to protect their habitat, have contributed to an increase in population in recent years. In this other article you can learn more about why the Iberian lynx is in danger of extinction.
• Iberian imperial eagle: This majestic Rapaz, which lives in pine and oak forests, has suffered a drastic reduction of its population due to the loss of habitat and direct persecution. Although conservation measures are being implemented, such as the protection of key areas for reproduction, the species is still critical of extinction in Doñana and in its entire distribution area.
• Fartet: This small endemic fish of the Iberian Peninsula is in serious danger due to the degradation of its natural habitat, such as pollution and the alteration of water courses.
• Black stork: This large aquatic bird, which nests in trees close to wet areas, has seen its population decrease due to the degradation of its habitat and the reduction of food availability.
• Common chameleon: This emblematic species of Mediterranean ecosystems faces threats such as the loss of habitat and the degradation of its natural environment.

In this other article you can meet more animals in danger of extinction in Spain. Now that you have discovered Doñana’s flora and fauna, you can also read more about Spain’s flora and fauna in this other article.

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