Any botanist out studying in the field can't help but witness the closely symbiotic relationships that exist between species of the insect and plant worlds. The huge current interest in macro and digital photography provides close-up views of previously unseen invertebrate life. (For butterflies go here).

The Picos de Europa and Cantabrian mountains are home to a very special selection of European mammals. From the shy and rare Pyrenean desman to equally shy 400lb brown bears, there are some 70 species of notoriously elusive mammals in our area including the Iberian wolf and 21 species of bat.

Any news and articles on the environment and general Picos de Europa wildlife that don't fit into the other categories are posted here. Expect the latest on the management policies of the Picos de Europa National and Regional Parks and any articles that involve more than one animal species.

Articles on the Reptilia Genera of this branch of herpetofauna living around the Picos de Europa. (Lizards and snakes to you and me!). Among the pages here you'll find the largest lizard found in mainland Spain and which snakes to give a wide berth.

News of the birdlife around the Picos de Europa. From sub-adult Lammergeier incursions from the Pyrenees and the possible reintroduction programme to Avocets and Little egrets on the Costa Verde. Also included here are personal observations of resident and summer-visiting birds.

Butterflies are another personal favourite, so have their own category here. There have currently been identified more than 150 butterfly species in and around the Picos de Europa.

Articles on the frogs, toads, salamanders and newts to be found in and around the Picos de Europa. The picture shows, clockwise from top left; Common frog, Marbled newt, Common midwife toad and Alpine newt. Village springs and watering troughs can be ideal places to look for amphibians as well as the many rivers, streams and tributaries of these mountains.