Recent research shows that small-scale agriculture in the Amazon can mask a dramatic loss of biodiversity when viewed across entire landscapes. While individual plots may appear rich in species, the overall region becomes more uniform, threatening unique habitats and wildlife.
Reports that 500 African spurred tortoises transformed the edge of the Sahara into a green zone are not supported by scientific evidence. Conservation data shows that only dozens of tortoises were released, with no verified satellite images of new vegetation.
In Shimabara, Nagasaki, koi carp glide through a 100-meter canal alongside homes and shops. What began as a local initiative in 1978 has become a symbol of community and environmental care, attracting nearly 94,000 visitors in a single year.
A buoy in Mallorca registered a record 32.1°C in July 2026, highlighting the scale of marine heatwaves affecting nearly the entire Mediterranean. Scientists warn of mounting stress on marine ecosystems and reduced nighttime relief along the coast.
Aichi researchers have developed a soy-based feed that shifts the sex ratio of farmed Japanese eels, producing larger, more valuable females. The discovery could reshape aquaculture practices and boost yields, though its effects are species-specific.
After being tranquilized and relocated 50 kilometres away to reduce risks, Tomás, a 180-kilo stag, walked back to Linarejos in less than a week. His return has delighted locals but reignited concerns about human interaction and wildlife safety.
Spain’s brown bear population has rebounded from fewer than 70 to more than 400 in thirty years. New genetic estimates highlight progress and ongoing challenges as bears expand into new regions, raising questions about coexistence and future risks.
Six people face major prison terms after a Barcelona-based group was accused of trafficking puppies and kittens in poor conditions. The case points to falsified paperwork and animal mistreatment, alongside alleged luxury spending.
Two new cases of African swine fever have been confirmed in wild boars in Catalonia. The total number of infections since November 2025 now stands at 375. Authorities continue strict controls and population reduction measures.
A single introduction of Silurus glanis in 1974 has led to its domination of major Spanish rivers, threatening native species and challenging conservation efforts. Authorities now face a complex battle to control this invasive giant.
A Sumatran elephant calf was born at Zoo Aquarium de Madrid. The birth strengthens European conservation efforts for a critically endangered subspecies. The newborn and its mother are under close veterinary observation.
Valencia will begin a full renovation of a Camins al Grau park in September 2026, transforming nearly 2,000 square meters with an accessible playground and a dedicated dog zone, alongside new lighting and modern amenities. The project aims to create a more inclusive, welcoming public space for families and pet owners.
A total solar eclipse crossed northern Spain on August 12, 2026. Temperatures fell, and birds may have reacted as daylight faded. The event was visible as a partial eclipse in the south and the Canary Islands.
Las Esclusas de las Salinas in Cabo de Gata may resemble natural swimming pools, while serving industrial and ecological purposes. These striking turquoise basins are part of a working saltworks and a critical refuge for migratory birds, with access restricted to protect both.
In 1961, Soviet scientists released thousands of red king crabs into the Barents Sea, hoping to create a new fishing industry. Decades later, the species has transformed the region’s marine life and become a lucrative export for Norway, but at a lasting environmental cost.
A wildfire in the Sierra de Espadán scorched 3,750 hectares. Emergency crews continue to monitor hotspots, while the blaze has severely affected one of Valencia’s largest natural parks.
Roberto do Carmo Jesus spent 45 minutes fighting a 160-kilo pirarucú in the Marinheiro River in São Paulo. Too large for his boat, the catch comes as Brazil tightens rules on the invasive species outside the Amazon, showing the growing impact of non-native fish in Brazilian waters.
After a nine-month investigation, the Guardia Civil identified a local hunter as the basic suspect in the shooting deaths of four stray cats in Teruel. The investigation relied on ballistic tests and veterinary necropsies. The case highlights growing attention to animal cruelty in rural Spain.
A wildfire devastated much of a Madrid reserve, but areas grazed by bison and cattle stayed green and unburned. The animals helped preserve ground cover and protect livestock, showing how managed grazing can help prevent wildfires.
Ana Hernández left city life behind to take over her family’s cattle farm in Valderrodrigo, Salamanca. Her decision highlights the generational crisis in Spanish agriculture and the personal cost of choosing passion over stability.
New research identifies Proailurus, an ancient Eurasian predator, as the earliest true cat and ancestor of all modern felines. Its fossils shed light on how domestic cats and big cats such as lions and tigers evolved from a tree-dwelling hunter that disappeared 25 million years ago.
Andrea Fernández, a young truck driver from Pontevedra, navigates Spain’s highways with her dog Brugal, challenging outdated views about women in transport. Her story highlights the realities and motivations behind a demanding profession.
A livestock farm in Tauste, Zaragoza, has installed floating solar panels on its manure lagoon, with the system expected to meet up to 53% of the farm’s electricity needs while reducing gas emissions. The project uses existing space to generate renewable energy without taking up additional land.
In a field test, Japanese researchers painted six black cows with zebra-like stripes and saw fly landings drop by nearly 50%. The study suggests the visual approach could offer farmers a way to shield cattle from biting insects without chemicals.
The wildfire in Sierra de Espadán remains active after six days. Fourteen municipalities and several residential areas remain evacuated. Rising temperatures and difficult terrain are complicating firefighting efforts.
Contender, a four-meter, 770-kilo great white shark, has reappeared in the Atlantic after months without a signal. Its tracking device pinged on July 10, suggesting a possible migration toward popular tourist areas such as Cape Cod, though its exact location remains uncertain.
More than 500,000 tons of recycled oyster and clam shells, once headed for landfills, have been used to rebuild lost reefs along Florida’s Gulf Coast, information from a media report. The work has restored habitat and supported oyster populations; reefs can also filter water, though the effect depends on local conditions.
For the first time in over 50 years, Matagalls-Montserrat will not reach the monastery. African swine fever restrictions have forced organizers to move the finish to Matadepera. More than 3,000 participants face a shorter, altered route.
A sudden wildfire in Vall d’Uixó put lives and livelihoods at risk. A local cattleman faced a desperate race to save his animals as flames closed in. Emergency crews and residents battled for survival.
A major wildfire has swept through Casavieja, Ávila, causing severe damage to forests and homes. The disaster recalls the 2005 fire that claimed firefighter Javier Tirado’s life. Residents now face renewed loss and frustration.
In Santiago-Pontones, more than 170 shepherds, many of them young, have revived large-scale grazing to keep public lands clear and reduce the risk of devastating wildfires. Their approach has helped protect the field while bringing new life to the local economy.
Dozens of residents evacuated from Sotillos de la Adrada are trying to return. Volunteers inside the village are exhausted after days of battling the fire. Authorities are maintaining strict controls, blocking most attempts to re-enter.
A fast-moving wildfire has forced the evacuation of Chapinería and nearby towns. High winds and extreme heat fueled the flames, destroying homes and emptying entire communities. Emergency services are working to regain control.
A young firefighter describes the intensity of Madrid’s largest wildfire. Night work and devastation marked his first year in a permanent post, alongside the pull of returning to the front lines.
For more than 30 years, Federico has lived alone in a remote Asturian hamlet without road access or electricity. On his 94th birthday, he received a heartfelt video message from Rosario Flores, the singer he has long admired. His story offers a rare portrait of rural endurance and the choices that shape a lifetime.
