THE ENVIROMEN

T IN MARMOLEJO

Students of Biology and Geology 1st Bachillerato

Marmolejo is in the South of Spain, near the Guadalquivir River and the Sierra Morena mountains. The area exhibits a wonderfully varied collection of flora and fauna. The following slides show you some of our protected animal species in danger of extinction.

Sierra Morena Sierra Morena, at the North of Andalucía, is an excellent

example of Meditarranean vegetation on a 400 Km mountain range. The fauna includes especies such as Iberian Lynx, Black Vulture, Black Stork, Iberian Eagle or Griffon Vulture.

In Marmolejo, there are two different geological areas:

- Sierra Morena- Guadalquivir´s valley

Sierra Morena

Guadalquivir

The LIFE Programme

LIFE began in 1992. During this period, LIFE co-financed some 3506 projects across the EU, contributing approximately €2.5 billion to the protection of the environment. Thanks to this project our species are protected.

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Protected animal species in danger of extinction in Sierra Morena.

The Iberian Lynx The Imperial Eagle The Iberian wolf Black Stork Black Vulture

The Iberian wolf

The small wolf pack in Sierra Morena is placed further south than any other in EuropeIn 1999 eight family packs were reported to be inhabiting Sierra Morena park, but only one is known to still exist. In northern regions of Spain such as Cantabria, the wolf population is more numerous. In 2005 it was stated that the aim of the regional and national government was to increase the population in Sierra Morena to 150 in 15 family packs, but ever since the mid-20th century the animal has been viewed as a threat to other species and is therefore fair game for hunters.

THE IBERIAN LYNXThe Iberian lynx is an endangered species of felid living mainly in Andalousia.The Iberian lynx is a rabbit specialist hunter but with a low ability to adapt its diet. A sharp drop in the population of its main food source, a result of two diseases, contributed to the feline's decline. The lynx was also affected by the loss of scrubland, its main habitat, due to human development, including changes in the use of land and the construction of roads and dams.

Captive breeding and reintroduction programs have boosted their numbers. In 2013, Andalusia has a population of 309 living in the wild.

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SPANISH IMPERIAL EAGLEIn Sierra Morena park we can find Imperial Eagles only in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Spanish imperial eagle is average smaller than other species, 2.5–3.5 kilograms, 78–82 centimetres in length and 180–210 centimetres in wingspan, and darker than its eastern cousin, and it is a resident species (eastern imperial is partially migratory). It feeds mainly on rabbits, but can prey on many other animals.

The current population is estimated at less than 500. In 2010, there were 279 in Spain and 3 pairs in Portugal, which have increased to 16 pairs since 2009.

The Black Vulture

Although the population of the Black Vulture in Spain has increased recently, it still remains an endangered especies. The main threat to the vulture is the illegal poison that many ranchers and farmers use to ward off rabbits, foxes and other pest. These toxins are introduced into the food chain and are eventually consumed by vultures. The threat is so intense that over 500 vultures have been found poisoned in a single year.

Black Stork

Black Stork is a typical forest bird distinguished for the exceptional requirements to the breeding habitat. Birds of this especies build nest in old large trees.

Destruction of old forest stands, drainage and disturbance caused by fellings are the main causes of Black Stork decline and increasing risk of extinction.

Currently there are only 322 Black Storks in Spain.

We can see how human activity is the cause of the extinction of animals. What can we do to protect our environnement?