The elusive and highly endangered Iberian lynx is now found only in the Sierra de Andújar and one other location. This range is also one of the few places in Andalucia to still harbour the increasingly rare wolf.
The densely wooded natural park lies in the central part of the extensive Sierra Morena range, its rocky hills ranging from 500 to 1,290 metres in altitude.
Among the threatened species found here are Iberian lynx – one of only two places in Spain – wolf, black vulture and imperial eagle, while other mammals include wild boar, mouflon, red, fallow and roe deer, Egyptian mongoose, wild cat, fox and otter.
Birds of prey include both griffon and Egyptian vultures, plus golden and Spanish imperial eagles, while other birdlife includes red-billed chough, azure-winged magpie, golden oriole and nightingale. The area’s watercourses are home to common chiffchaff, warblers, grey and purple herons, little grebe, coot, and the ubiquitous mallard.
The park boasts Andalucia's best preserved expanses of Mediterranean forest and scrubland, whose typical flora includes trees such as willow, poplar, stone pine (with its edible kernels), umbrella and Austrian pines, and alder, with an undergrowth of strawberry trees, lentisc, myrtle, wild olive and oleander, while aromatic shrubs such as rosemary, thyme and majoram are found in abundance.
In the south of the park is the Sanctuario Virgen de la Cabeza, a hermitage perched on the top of a granite outcrop, with spectacular views of the sierra and the valley of the Jándula river.
Explore some of the most wonderful and wild corners of Andalucia. Visit the vast Doñana National Park and the rugged Andújar Natural Park, last refuges of one of the rarest cats in the world, the endangered Iberian lynx, and home to a multitude of other mammals and birds. Find out more about Iberian Lynx Quest
This 5-day tailor made itinerary is dedicated to exploring one of Spain’s truly wild corners in Andalucia - Andújar Natural Park - which is home to a surprisingly large variety of birds and mammals. It is also one of the last strongholds for one of the world’s rarest feline, the Iberian lynx. Find out more about Iberian Lynx in Andújar
On this small group trip, we spend a whole week on the pristine Sierras de Andújar and Cazorla to enjoy and admire the wealth of wildlife that they support. Our departures are scheduled for the winter months which are perfect for wildlife observation, especially encounters with Iberian lynx. Find out more about Wild Spain
This historic property borders the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park and has all the characteristics of a traditional Andalucian house. Being one of the closest properties to the park, it offers easy access and thus increases your chances of seeing the elusive Iberian lynx. Find Out More about La Caracola Alojamiento Rural
