Biotic framework

Fauna

The fauna associated with these types of vegetation and habitats is quite numerous, especially in the upper areas of the basin.

In the Sierra del Segura there are abundant endemic species, for example the small lizard Algyroides marchi, a species that is found only in the Sierra de Cazorla and the Sierra del Segura. In this area there are many and varied hunting species: deer, fallow deer, mouflons, wild goats and boars. Otters can also be found as well as more than 100 species of birds, especially predators (golden eagle, Bonelli’s eagle, short-toed eagle, kite, hawk, Egyptian eagle, griffon vulture, eagle owl, little owl, barn owl, tawny owl).

Among the predatory mammals we can highlight: the polecat, weasel, genet, fox, stone marten, badger, etc. There is also the Sierra del Segura squirrel, completely different to the other species of squirrel.

Many different species of insects can be found, highlighting the Graellsia isabellae ceballosi butterfly. There are also eyed lizards, marbled newts and freshwater turtles.

Amongst the birds to be found in this area are some birds of prey such as the golden eagle or the short-toed eagle, the dipper and the kingfisher. As for mammals, we can highlight the fox, boar, deer, wild goat and mouflon.
 

Algyroides marchi lizard (left) and Segura squirrel (right)
 

Graellsia isabellae butterfly (left) and otter (right)

In the wet areas of the basin we can find the flamingo, heron, plover, short-toed lark, stone curlew, etc.

Plover. Source: CARM

As for the fish population, it is highly variable according to the section of the river. In the upper parts, especially in the Segura river and Mundo, there are several species of salmonids, which require very high water quality, for example the common trout, the population of which has fallen due to the introduction of the rainbow trout.

But most of the water courses of the Segura basin, those with lesser flow or higher temperature, are populated by species of cyprinids such as carp or tench (currently being introduced) and barbel.

Apart from these, several exotic species can also be found, which, due to their use for sport fishing, have become a threat for the native fauna. Among these we can highlight the pike, black-bass, pike-perch, pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), catfish, as well as the crayfish, which has decimated the population of the native species (the white-clawed crayfish).

Barbel. Source: CARM

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