As the Lions prepare to conquer the Pyrenean highlands in May 2016, it is worth taking note of the wildlife we could potentially encounter. The Lions who have been to the Spanish Pyrenees on more than one occasion will recognize the terrain as mountainous – reaching altitudes of 3000 metres, thick and dense in some of the foothills and more like mountain pastures with a variety or rock formation higher up in the mountains.
The Pyrenean wildlife adapted to this terrain throughout the centuries. The “isard” (or the Pyrenean Chamois) Pyrenean chamois, is a species of goat-antelope which can be found in the mountains up to an altitude of 3000m.
It is a small animal reaching an average height of just under a metre at the shoulder. You can easily identify the chamois from their backward curving horns that appear on both males and females. Their coat is typically reddish brown during the summer and turns a brownish black in the winter, with dark patches around the eyes. It is an incredibly agile animal, negotiating scree slopes and steep mountain terrain with ease!
The Egyptian vulture is an unmistakable raptor with its white plumage and black trailing wing edges. It's an impressive bird with a wingspan of almost 2 metres and, like all raptors, feeds on carrion and dead animals in exposed places. The Pyrenees are home to close to 100 territorial pairs so do look out for them when you are out and about.
The bearded vulture or 'gypaete barbu' as it is called in French, is a spectacular sight which you may be lucky enough to spot up in the Pyrenees mountains. Considered to be the largest raptor in Europe with its 3m wingspan, it is also one of the most endangered raptors in Europe. It is identifiable by its distinctive spoon-shaped tale and is one of the most useful raptors to have around. 80% of the its food is composed of bones, feet, tendons and ligaments from the carcasses of wild and domestic hooved animals which it can ingest thanks to its powerful digestive juices. It is nature's best cleaner-upper!The brown bear is the most talked about animal in the Pyrenees. Until the early 20th century there was a healthy population of brown bears in the Pyrenees. However, in the course of the century, the population dwindled until, in 1996, 3 Slovenian brown bears were reintroduced into the Pyrenean mountain forests in an effort to boost the population.
This was a controversial move as farmers whose herds of sheep and cattle roamed the high mountain pastures complained that their flocks would be attacked and destroyed by this big brown predator! The slogan 'Non aux ours' ('No to the bear') started to appear in spray paint on roads and walls as public feeling grew. But despite all this, the bears are actually very private, shy animals and there is now a healthy population living in the forests of the central Pyrenees.
So, what do Lions do when confronted with a bear ? Call Don Antonio and he will scare the bear away by inviting him to the next Lion adventure.