Fauna in Malaga Province in Axarquia

Fauna in Andalucia, in Axarquia Costa del Sol

The fauna in Malaga Province has remained preserved in this corner of Andalucia. It allows nature to be observed everywhere, in the mountains as in the sea. In addition, there is an animal in Europe, which is only present in this region: the chameleon. It is related to the subtropical climate of Axarquia.

But the fauna in Malaga can also offers, among others, geckos, dolphins, seahorses, kestrels, Malagueña goats or ibex.

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The chameleon

Thanks to the subtropical climate in Axarquia, the chameleon is at home here.
It is sometimes seen in tropical trees (mango trees, avocado trees). It is one of the protected animals. It is therefore recommended to watch out for chameleons and hedgehogs on the roads.
The common chameleon is the only species of chameleon living in Europe. A few can be found in the Algarve in Portugal or otherwise in Sicily, but 85% of the chameleon population lives on the coastline and among the Axarquia mountains.

The hippocampus

This very particular animal can be seen diving around Nerja and Maro.

This animal is unique in the animal world since it is the male who carries the eggs and gives birth to several thousand small seahorses in a few hours.

It is possible to observe it on the coast for diving enthusiasts.
(photo credit H. Zell)

caballito de mar

le gecko

This gecko of the Tarentola mauritanica family, comes across frequently in the evening on the walls of houses in villages.

It stands close to light sources where they watch for insects. Here, it is called the salamanquesa, and it is said to be an animal that brings luck!

Its peculiarity, unlike lizards or chameleons, is that it has suction cups, it is the only animal that can climb and stand on a straight wall or on a ceiling.
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Gecco (salamanquesa)

Ibex, iberian goat

It can be seen quite easily on the cliffs in the acantilados de Maro (near Nerja) when hiking or simply going to a beach or a wild cove.

We also often see them in Comares, Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo. It is an animal endowed with an incredible dexterity to climb through cliffs.

cabra montes

The kestrel

Along with the surrounding mountains, there are many raptors, and in particular the common kestrel.

It is always a spectacle to watch them. The common kestrel is easy to watch and even take pictures, many of them have even settled inside the villages.

This pic was taken in Torrox pueblo.

un kestrel

The dolphin

We often see them all along the Costa del Sol, and here with a little luck you will even see them from the beach (Almayate, Algarrobo, Nerja, Torrox, Torre del mar).

Here, this movie was made by boaters off Nerja. Several colonies of dolphins have settled on the coast.

For nature lovers, here is a valuable link to a blog presenting all the natural wonders of Andalusia : g3-guides.com

In the following link you will find 7 beautiful nature walks in Andalusia. These walks are carried out by g3-guides. You will also be able to note the main sites to observe the fauna in its natural environment.