Galicia's flora and fauna

Galicia’s flora and fauna

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Galicia is a region located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and is distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity, hosting a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. It presents a rich vegetation and a fauna adapted to its environment in which they can be found from mammals to birds and reptiles. Some examples of Galician flora and fauna are the chestnut, the lily of the valleys, the Iberian wolf and the Eagle Calzada. If you want to know better about the Galicia’s flora and faunaas well as its endangered species, it continues to read this Ecology Verde.

Galicia’s Flora and Fauna Characteristics

  • The Flora of Galicia is characterized by its exuberance and variety. The Atlantic forests They are predominant and are mainly composed of Expiking species. These forests are rich in Sotobosque, with ferns, mosses and various herbaceous plants. Here you can learn more about Atlantic forests: what are, characteristics, flora and fauna and deciduous forests: characteristics, flora and fauna.
  • In addition, Galicia has a broad representation of Coniferous speciesespecially in forest plantations. In this link you can learn more about coniferous forests: characteristics, flora and fauna.
  • In coastal areas and in Galician estuaries, vegetation changes and adapts to saline and sandy conditions. Here we tell you more about what a estuary is, how it is formed and examples.
  • As for fauna, we see that it is equally diverse and varied, benefiting from the different habitats offered by the region. In the forests and mountains, mammals such as wild boarthe roe deer and the Iberian wolf find refuge and food.
  • Birds They are also abundant, with a notable diversity of resident and migratory species. The coasts and the laughs attract seabirds and limited birds.
  • Galicia’s rivers and lakes are home to a rich aquatic fauna. Atlantic salmon and common trout are two of the most emblematic species, highlighting for both ecological and economic importance.
  • In the estuaries and estuaries, the presence of seafood As mussel and percage is remarkable, contributing significantly to the local economy through fishing and aquaculture.

Flora of Galicia

Chestnut (Castanea sativa)

The chestnut is one of Galicia’s most emblematic species. These trees are not only valuable for their wood, but also for their fruits, chestnuts, which have an important role in local cuisine. Castaños can form extensive forests known as Soutos, which are traditionally managed for chestnut production.

In this other post you can know the types of chestnuts.

Birch (Betula Alba)

Birch is another common tree in Galicia, especially in mountainous and humid areas. This tree is distinguished by its white cortex and is valued both by its beauty and its wood. The birch forests, known as Bidueirais, are typical of the high and fresh areas of the region.

Ferns

The ferns are omnipresent in the humid forests of Galicia. Species such as the common fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and the male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) cover the forest floor, creating a dense green tapestry that protects the ground from erosion and provides habitat for numerous small animals and microorganisms.

Here you can know the different types of ferns.

Sauce (Salix spp.)

The willows are common along the rivers and streams. These rapid growth species help stabilize the banks and provide shadow, which is essential for aquatic life. Here you can learn more about the banks: what is, flora and fauna.

Aliso (Alnus glutinosa)

Aliso is another typical tree of riverside areas. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil improves the fertility of the environment, benefiting other plants. In addition, its robust roots help prevent erosion of the rivers.

Lily of the valleys (Majalis will convene)

Although it is more common in other parts of Europe, in Galicia the lily of the valleys is in mountainous areas and is known for its white flowers and sweet aroma. Here you can know the care for the lilies of the Valley.

Flora and Fauna of Galicia - Flora de Galicia

Galicia Flora and Fauna -

Galicia fauna

Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus)

The Iberian wolf is one of the most emblematic mammals in Galicia. This wolf subspecies, adapted to the forests and mountains of the region, plays a crucial role in the ecological balance by controlling herbivorous populations. Despite its ecological importance, the wolf faces threats due to poaching and loss of habitat.

We recommend you read this other article about why the Iberian wolf is in danger of extinction.

Corzo (Capreolus capreolus)

The roe deer is a small deer found in forests and open areas. It is a very adaptable species and its population has grown in recent decades. The roe deer are known for their agility and the characteristic bark they emit when they feel threatened.

Jabalí (Your scrofa)

Jabali is another common mammal in Galicia, frequenting forests and agricultural areas. This animal is omnivore and its ability to adapt to different environments has allowed it to prosper. However, it can also cause problems due to the damage it causes in crops.

Águila Calzada (Hieraetus pennatus)

The Calzada Eagle is a rapaz bird that can be seen in the Galician heavens, especially in wooded areas. It is known for its ability to hunt small mammals and birds. Its presence is an indicator of ecosystem health.

Moñudo Cormran (PhalacroCorax Aristotelis)

The Moñudo Cormorant is a kind of sea bird that is found on the coasts and cliffs of Galicia. It is remarkable for its diving capacity, using your skills to capture fish in coastal waters.

Common salamandra (Salamandra Salamandra)

Common salamandra is an amphibian that lives in humid forests and near water courses. It is recognized for its distinctive yellow spots on a black background. Salamandra is an indicator of a healthy and good water quality environment.

You may be interested in knowing are salamandras poisonous?

Galicia Flora and Fauna - Galicia Fauna

Galicia Flora and Fauna -

Galicia Flora and Fauna in danger of extinction

Drosera Roundifolia

The Drosera is a carnivorous plant that lives in basks and wet areas. Its existence is threatened by the destruction of its habitat due to the desiccation of peats and agricultural expansion.

Here we show you the types of carnivorous plants.

Lusitanic penguicular

This small carnivorous plant, known as Lusitanian Grasilla, is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and is in danger due to the alteration of wetlands and basks.

Narcissus cyclamineus

The narcissus trumpet of the rias is an endemic species of Galicia that grows in wet and wooded areas. It is in danger due to the loss of habitat and indiscriminate collection.

Iberian fall (Pyrenaicus Galemys)

Iberian Desman is a small aquatic mammal that lives in clean rivers and streams. Its population has decreased dramatically due to water pollution, the alteration of river channels and the loss of habitat.

Fisherman eagle (Pandion Haliaetus)

The fisherman eagle is a migratory raptor that depends on the presence of fish in rivers and estuaries. Its population in Galicia is in danger due to the destruction of coastal and river habitats, as well as by human pollution and disturbance.

Seoane viper (VIPERA SEOANEI)

This endemic viper northwest of the Iberian Peninsula is in danger due to the loss of habitat and human persecution.

Galicia Flora and Fauna - Galicia Flora and Fauna in danger of extinction

Galicia Flora and Fauna -

If you want to read more articles similar to Galicia’s flora and faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
Published in