Although Iberian lince has been a protected species since 1966, this wonderful feline is in danger of extinction. At present, only two populations are viable and consolidated for the development and proliferation of this species: the one in Doñana and the one in the natural spaces Sierra de Cardeña and Montoro Natural Park and Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, where the most important population of the nail cat is located.

To see a lince in Andújar

To try to locate and observe an Iberian lince we must look for a good observatory from which we see a lot of saw, many slopes, rosquets, bushes and above all, many clear pasture. Among the best areas for an observation day are:

Road of the boat on its last stretch.

Road and recreational area of the Encinarejo.

Embalse of the Encinarejo from the north bank.

All the viewpoints in the south of the park.

Jabali Path.

Recreative area of the line in New Place.

Located at the observatory, it is essential to be always very attentive and silent, so, even in plain sight, we can distinguish a lineage moving if it is not too far away. We will also start a sweep of the area by means of binoculars. With them we will be looking at the clear and the exits of the land; so we can discover some cat placed on a rock. The telescope should be left for the last search, to go looking further and to go looking very slowly or even to look at the animal once we have discovered it.?

As with almost all predators, the corvids are also very aggressive with the Iberian lince (perhaps this is the animal with which they are most rattled), so we have to be very long-awaited of the movements and demands of the urracas. 50% of the success of observing a lince can come from being able to interpret the corvids.

For the sake of the species and the future visitors who seek to see the great cat, we must respect all the rules of public use, be respectful of the environment, always remain silent and do not in any way disturb animals. Nor should we enter privately owned farms without authorization or deviate from established paths.

It is a very developed lapiaz with very good exposure, carved on limestone of the upper Jurassic. Stratification has a small dipping, and topography in this sector adapts to the stratification surface, generating a landscape of great beauty.

Source: Inventory of Georresources of Andalusia. Environmental Council. Junta de Andalusia.

It covers an area of about 206 ha., including the lagoon itself and a protection perimeter of 500 metres.

The vegetation it presents is typical of a wetland, with the presence of eneas (typha domingensis) and carrizos (phagmites australis). As for tree species, the white acacia (populus alba), taray (African tamarix) and strawberry (fraximus angustifolia), even in isolation, is highlighted. The rest of the area is dominated by olive groves.

As for the present fauna, there is a particular interest in the presence of typical wetland birds: common fences (as it grows), spoon duck (as clypeata), common porron (aythya ferina), small zumpullin (tachybaptus rufilollis), cold anade (as strepera), real anade (as platyrhynchos). In spring, many of these species move to their nesting area, remaining only those that do so in this area: storks (himantopus himantopus), the chorlitero chico (charandrius dubius) and the water cock (gallinula chloropus).

There are also the presence of non-aquatic birds, such as the common charcoal (parus major), the common pineapple (coelebs fridge), the capirotated curling (silvia atricapilla), the black head curling (silvia melanocephala), the common myrtle (turdus merula), the common cernícalo (falco tinnunculus), the common mouse (butyo buteo), the calcada eagle and the lagoon (circuls aeruginosus).

The mammals are minor, although the gineta (genetta genetta) and the badger (meles meles) stand out. As for amphibians, the gallipato (pleurodeles waltl), the southern ranite (hyla meridionalis), the San Antón ranite (hyla arborea), the common frog (rana ridibunda) and the common toad (bufo bufo) stand out.

Its importance is increased, as in the case of Laguna Honda, due to the shortage of wet areas in the province. Natural vegetation has been transformed and only remains of perilagunar vegetation remain. The most common species are carrizo, swordsman and tarage. The fauna of this nature reserve of 6.5 hectares of extension, as such, and 39 hectares of protection area, is related to that of the neighbouring Laguna del Conde or Salobral in the province of Córdoba.

Surrounded by olive groves, it has a small natural vegetation of spadaws, reeds and carrizos. Among the aquatic birds, the occasional presence of pink flamingos, storks, royal anades and whistles and red ducks and spoon stands out. As for the terrestrial fauna, the rabbit and the red partridge abound in the area.

Through the Toba passes the path GR 147, so we can travel some sections either in the direction of Santiago de la Espada, or in the direction of the Casicas del Río Segura. You can also gain unforgettable views over the Segura Valley if you go up the forest track of Awake-up.

It is a cozy road and recreational area, which has a lookout from where to enjoy stunning views. It also has shadow areas and a water source.

Location: Very close to the urban core.

Distance: 2.5 km.

Medium: Tourism vehicle.

Access route: Through a dirt lane that leaves directly from the city centre.