7 native animals you'll only see in Mallorca
Mallorca is known for its stunning natural beauty, ranging from rugged mountains to white sandy beaches. However, beyond its landscapes, the island is home to a unique fauna that has evolved in isolation, resulting in a diversity of native species that are a treasure for Mediterranean biodiversity.
Meet the Balearic Marten
One of the most emblematic mammals of Mallorca is the Balearic marten, a subspecies of the European marten. This small carnivore, with an agile body and dense fur, primarily inhabits the forests of the Sierra de Tramuntana.
The Balearic marten is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and competition with introduced species. Its presence is always welcome as it indicates the health of the island’s forest ecosystems.
The Balearic Toad
The Balearic toad is an amphibian endemic to the Balearic Islands, and it can be found particularly in Mallorca. This species is well-adapted to Mediterranean environments, where its ability to withstand drought is crucial.
Balearic toads are found in a variety of habitats, from temporary ponds to agricultural areas. However, their population is threatened by pollution and the destruction of their aquatic habitats.
The Balearic Lizard
The Balearic lizard, scientifically known as Podarcis lilfordi, is another fascinating example of Mallorca's native fauna.
Although this species is found on several smaller islands around Mallorca, it has disappeared from the main island due to the introduction of predators like cats and snakes.
The remaining populations are a reminder of the delicate ecological balance that characterizes Mediterranean islands.
The Mediterranean Tortoise
The Mediterranean tortoise is one of the crown jewels of Mallorca’s coasts. Although it is not a species exclusive to Mallorca, the island is one of the most frequented areas in the western Mediterranean.
This terrestrial species prefers scrub areas and open woodlands. Over the years, the Mediterranean tortoise has faced significant challenges due to urbanization and illegal trafficking, leading to local and international conservation efforts to protect it.
Do You Know the Balearic Warbler?
Mallorca is also home to several endemic bird species and subspecies that have adapted to the island's unique environments.
The Balearic warbler is a small bird that inhabits scrub and low woodland areas. Although not strictly endemic to Mallorca, its presence is notable on the island. The Balearic warbler is very important because its presence indicates that scrub ecosystems are healthy. Therefore, protecting this little bird is crucial for maintaining the overall biodiversity of the island's fauna, especially its bird life.
The Ferreret: Sounds Like a Miniature Blacksmith
Another gem of Mallorcan fauna is the ferreret, a small endemic amphibian rediscovered in 1980 after being thought extinct.
This tiny toad lives in the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana, where it inhabits ravines and streams. The ferreret is of great scientific interest due to its evolutionary history and adaptation to such a particular environment. It is currently protected, and captive breeding programs have been implemented to ensure its survival.
Fun fact: its name, ferreret (meaning "little blacksmith" in Spanish), comes from the sound it makes, which is reminiscent of a blacksmith working at his forge.
The Bottlenose Dolphin
In the waters surrounding Mallorca, it’s common to find bottlenose dolphins, a species of cetacean widely recognized for its intelligence and social behavior. Although not exclusive to Mallorca, the bottlenose dolphin is an important part of the island's marine fauna and contributes to the tourist appeal of its coasts.
