The fire in Moguer (Huelva), which spread to the Doñana National Park, has caused extensive environmental damage . The blaze not only severely affected various animal and plant species but also impacted the region's ecological balance. Furthermore, it is estimated that the fire caused a significant increase in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and consumed large quantities of water resources to extinguish the flames.
One of the most worrying effects of the disaster has been on wildlife, especially the Iberian lynx . In this article, we will focus on a specific issue: the fire destroyed a large part of the home range of three female lynx , areas that are essential for hunting and survival.
Damaged camping areas
According to initial assessments carried out by technicians from the Regional Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning , assigned to the LIFE Iberlince project, the fire significantly affected the home ranges of three female Iberian lynx. The burned areas were used by these felines for hunting, and at least two females had territories entirely within the fire's perimeter.
In the case of the third female, it is estimated that the fire has affected 50% of her home range. This data was obtained through camera trapping , as the animals in these areas were not radio-tagged for detailed tracking. Although the estimates are preliminary, it is clear that this impact jeopardizes the survival of these felines in these areas.
The affected females will have difficulty hunting and moving around in that area, which could cause them to relocate to other areas in search of new territories. This poses an additional risk, since the burning of vegetation also affects rabbit populations , the lynx's primary food source. The presence of rabbits will be crucial in determining whether the lynx remain in the area or leave in search of new prey.
Impact on other species
The Iberian lynx is not the only species to have suffered the consequences of the fire. The NGO SEO/BirdLife has reported that more than 70 bird species and various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians have also been affected. Among the affected birds are critically endangered species such as the Iberian imperial eagle and the red kite . The burning of vegetation and the destruction of essential habitats has created a serious imbalance that will take years to restore, if it is ever fully achieved.
The fire destroyed critical habitats for the reproduction of many of these species, especially birds of prey. The short-toed eagle, the woodlark and the long-tailed warbler, among many other species native to the forest habitat of Doñana, have seen their nesting areas seriously damaged.
Regeneration and long-term effects
Although the initial impact of the fire has been devastating, some plant species have natural regeneration mechanisms . Plants like the cork oak, for example, can regenerate from the canopy after the flames have passed. Similarly, there are species known as pyrophytes, such as the rockrose, whose seeds only germinate under the extreme heat generated by the fire. This type of vegetation could aid the regeneration process in some areas, although it will not be sufficient without human intervention to accelerate ecosystem restoration.
The NGO SEO/BirdLife has stressed the critical need for immediate action to protect areas affected by soil erosion. These measures should include removing dead trees that could harbor pests, as well as installing barriers to prevent erosion of bare soil before the arrival of autumn rains.
Necessary restoration measures
To ensure the complete regeneration of ecosystems in Doñana, action is needed before the damage worsens. Experts suggest that reforestation should focus on native species that help restore the park's original ecosystem, such as cork oaks , wild olives , and mastic trees . In addition, sowing seeds and carefully reintroducing affected species are recommended.
Rapid action could mitigate the long-term impact, but it is also necessary to address the underlying causes that aggravate the fires, such as climate change. Extreme temperatures, dry soil and strong winds, which exacerbate fires, are increasingly common phenomena in the Doñana region, making a more rigorous management policy urgently needed to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.
This fire has once again demonstrated the vulnerability of Doñana. Although the heart of the park has been spared, the ecological damage is immense. The Iberian lynx, in particular, remains a species in dire need of protection, and the loss of its home range could slow its recovery.