Fauna

Birds

Archidona is a paradise for bird lovers. Its natural environment, which includes mountains, fields, and nearby wetlands, hosts a great diversity of both resident and migratory species. Here, you can observe birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle, as well as small gems like the bee-eater and the European robin. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy birdwatching tourism right in the heart of Málaga.

  • Scientific name: Aquila fasciata
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona, Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas, Guadalhorce Gorge, Hoz del Arroyo Marín, and Lagoons of Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Gyps fulvus
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona and El Brosque.
  •  Scientific name: Bubo bubo
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona, Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas, Hoz del Arroyo Marín, and Lagoons of Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Falco tinnunculus
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona, Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas, Hoz del Arroyo Marín, and Lagoons of Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona and Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas.
  •  Scientific name: Milvus migrans
  • Habitat: Sierra de Archidona, Hoz del Arroyo Marín, and Lagoons of Archidona.

Mammals

The terrestrial fauna of Archidona includes a wide variety of mammals that inhabit its fields, forests, and mountain ranges. Rabbits, foxes, and wild boars are commonly sighted, as well as bats at dusk. These animals play a fundamental role in maintaining the balance of the local ecosystem and provide an authentic natural experience for those who explore the surroundings of the municipality.

  • Scientific name: Genetta genetta
  • Habitat: Hoz del Arroyo Marín, Las Lagunillas, Garganta del Guadalhorce, Encinar de Archidona-Salinas, and Lagunas de Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Sus scrofa
  • Habitat: Hoz del Arroyo Marín, Las Lagunillas, Garganta del Guadalhorce, El Brosque, Encinar de Archidona-Salinas, Vega de Archidona, and Lagunas de Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Rattus norvegicus (Note: This appears to be a mistake. Rattus norvegicus is the scientific name for the brown rat, not the fox. The correct name for the red fox is Vulpes vulpes.)
  • Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the municipality of Archidona.

Reptiles

Archidona’s Mediterranean climate and rocky landscape favor the presence of numerous reptiles. It’s common to find lizards, wall geckos, and various species of non-venomous snakes, which play a vital role in the natural balance by controlling insect and small rodent populations. They are often seen on stone walls, sunny trails, and rural areas, especially during the warmer months.

  •  Scientific name: Malpolon monspessulanus
  • Habitat: Hoz del Arroyo Marín, Las Lagunillas, Lagoons of Archidona, El Brosque, Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas, and Vega de Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Zamenis scalaris
  • Habitat: Hoz del Arroyo Marín, Las Lagunillas, El Brosque, Holm Oak Forest of Archidona-Salinas, Lagoons of Archidona, Guadalhorce Gorge, and Vega de Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Tarentola mauritanica
  • Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the municipality of Archidona.

Amphibians

Though more discreet, amphibians are also present in Archidona’s environment, especially in temporary ponds, streams, and wetlands. Toads, frogs, and newts belong to this group, and their presence is an indicator of the ecosystem’s good health. They are easier to hear than to see, especially in spring, when their calls fill the nights after the rain.

  • Scientific name: Rana temporaria
  • Habitat: Lagoons of Archidona, Marín Stream, and Guadalhorce River.
  • Scientific name: Salamandridae
  • Habitat: Guadalhorce River and Lagoons of Archidona.
  • Scientific name: Pelodytes ibericus
  • Habitat: Lagoons of Archidona, Marín Stream, and Guadalhorce River.

Fish

The presence of fish in Archidona is limited due to the scarcity of large bodies of water. However, some native species adapted to these conditions can be found in streams and seasonal watercourses. Although fish are not the most representative group of the local fauna, their conservation is key to maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

  • Scientific name: Luciobarbus sclateri

  • Habitat: Marín Stream, Guadalhorce River, and the Lagoons of Archidona.

  • Scientific name: Pseudochondrostoma willkommii
  • Habitat: Marín Stream and Guadalhorce River.
  • Scientific name: Gambusia affinis
  • Habitat: Lagoons of Archidona.
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