Iberian Lynx in Andalucia

2nd - 6th October 2010

Iberian Lynx, the most endangered cat species in the world, is sadly on the brink of extinction. The Sierra de Andujar in northern Andalucia forms part of the Sierra Morena mountain chain and has a landscape formed from granite, quartz and slate, which is bordered by two rivers - the Jandula and the Yeguas. This Natural Park currently holds around 70% of the world population of Iberian Lynx (c.100 individuals), and is working hard to increase this figure. This gorgeous animal lives within some of the last remaining pristine Mediterranean forest where it specialises in hunting rabbits and birds. This ancient woodland is open and spacious - primarily 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, Otters, Wild Boar, Moufflon, Red & Fallow Deer are all to be found. These mountains also hold a large population of Griffon Vultures, as well as good numbers of the rare Black Vulture and Spanish Imperial Eagle.

The flights are Easyjet scheduled (London Gatwick - Malaga) found here.

Day 1 :- We take an early morning flight to Malaga and drive north to the Laguna de la Fuente de Piedras (Rocks Spring), where we will have our lunch near the visitor centre. We shall check the shores of the lake for any Wintering waders although it is better known for it’s Greater Flamingos, which occur here in their 1000’s. Mid-afternoon we shall drive to our charming hotel in the heart of the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park. Our rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking deciduous woodland mainly of oak, with the Sierras towering up in the distance beyond. Birds around the hotel gardens will include Azure winged Magpies, Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest and Nuthatch. Once we have settled in we shall make our first visit to one of the several viewing areas in the hope of finding an Iberian Lynx. Who knows we might get lucky on our first attempt!.

Days 2, 3 & 4 :- Three full days will be spent in the Sierra de Andujar, a contrasting region with some of the best representations of Mediterranean Forest still surviving in Europe. The Sierra de Andujar forms part of the Sierra Morena Mountains and has a landscape of hills and mountains formed from granite, quartz and slate, which is bordered by two rivers - the Jandula and the Yeguas. Yet another of Andalusia’s hidden treasures of a Natural Park; which is home to the elusive and highly endangered Iberian Lynx of which only 150 or so remain in the wild. We shall be spending every early morning and late afternoon searching for this secretive animal from strategic watchpoints around the sierra. The rest of the time will be spent walking and driving the roads and tracks within the reserve along with time to relax in the afternoon around the hotel complex before our evening vigil. This Natural Park is also home to the magnificent Spanish Imperial Eagle and many other sought-after raptors including Golden Eagle, Black Vulture, Goshawk and Peregrine. The tranquil rivers, separating a series of reservoirs, with dramatic dam walls that attract Black Wheatear, Rock Sparrow and Crag Martin, with Otters fishing the river below, will be in marked contrast to the lush vegetation of the rest of the trip. Everywhere we look there will be Azure-winged Magpies, Short toed Treecreepers, Firecrests, Nuthatches and Crested Tits. If time allows we shall even take a drive up to the Santuario Virgen de la Cabeza – a dramatic & historic building to which there is a pilgrimage in May that’s perched on top of a mountain in the centre of the reserve.

 Day 5 : - Our final day will be dependant on our success the past few days as there will again be an optional early start to look for Lynx. After breakfast we shall make our way back to Malaga Airport and with the available time shall visit the nearby Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve, which should be quite productive. This small reserve can be an excellent coastal migrant trap as well as home to many waterbirds and waders. Here we should hope to find Balearic Shearwaters, Audouin’s Gulls, and Gannets off-shore, with Black necked Grebe, Purple Heron, White headed Duck and Marsh Harrier along the river

"What's been said"

Hi Jules, Great trip in search of the Iberian Lynx I am quite aware that you need a lot of patience if you are going to see Lynx and when we did see them WOW (got to admit nice finding my own)  a very enjoyable 5 days hope to see you again very soon. All the best Geoff Trigg. (January 2010)

Hi Jules, Finally got a chance to drop you a line and thank you for a great trip. Good food, great Lynx sightings, and off course company. Hope to see you again some time, once again thank you for all your efforts. Regards Carol Trigg (January 2010)

Hi Jules, Thank you once again for a brilliant trip to the Sierra de Andujar. To have not one but several good sightings of the near mythical Iberian Lynx is something that I will never forget as long as I live. However, I should not forget to mention the excellent sightings of Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle and Black Shouldered Kite together with a surrounding cast of many other great birds and mammals. An excellent trip to an amazing area. All the best Bob Whatley (January 2010)

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