WILDLIFE

The Wildlife of Somiedo

The wildlife of Somiedo is broadly similar to that of other parts of the Cantabrian Mountains. Indeed, the Natural Park is home to all the large mammals of the Cordillera, along with a great number of small mammal species, over a hundred bird species and around twenty species of amphibians and reptiles.

The faunal composition of Somiedo is partly shaped by three characteristic features of the park. Its rugged terrain, combined with the presence of relatively high-altitude areas, favours several mountain species including chamois, golden eagle, ermine, alpine accentor, snow finch, snowfinch, ring ouzel, snow vole, rock partridge, alpine newt, Iberian rock lizard, and others.

A second factor is the relatively low level of damage to the vegetation cover compared to other parts of Asturias, which supports many forest species such as roe deer, red deer, squirrel, pine marten, garden dormouse, edible dormouse, genet, wildcat, bank vole, wild boar, etc. Finally, due to low human presence — the lowest population density in Asturias, around 6 inhabitants per square kilometre — and difficult access to many areas of the municipality, Somiedo is today a refuge for several species including brown bears, wolves and capercaillie.

Representative species of Somiedo

BROWN BEAR

The brown bear inhabits the quiet areas of the park, avoiding human presence and hiding in beech, oak and birch forests.

RED DEER

Red deer can be found throughout the park, especially in wooded areas and meadows. From mid-September to late October you can witness the spectacular rut.

CAPERCAILLIE

The capercaillie is in decline in Somiedo, as it is across the Cantabrian Mountains, making habitat conservation vitally important for the species' survival.