Spain, how Andalusian flora and fauna are affected by human decisions.

Spain is facing significant environmental challenges, from the loss of native species and the spread of invasive species like the Argentine parrot, all of which highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect biodiversity.

Spain is renowned for its sunny landscapes and vibrant vacation spots, but what if I told you that all this natural beauty is slowly fading away? The United Nations has issued a warning that 150 animal species are disappearing every day. According to a 2019 assessment of the planet's biodiversity, only a third of countries are on track to meet their biodiversity targets, and 25% of the animals and plants examined face the threat of extinction. While this may sound like another climate change warning you're reading on your phone, have you ever considered what it truly means when we say a species is "in danger of extinction"?

An animal is considered at risk of extinction when the last living members of its species are vanishing from the Earth, forever. Factors such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, and invasive species predation have been the primary drivers behind the extinction of many modern species. As a result, we now have a long list of animals on the brink of extinction. The European lynx may soon be only a memory, the European sturgeon no longer swims in large rivers, and the majestic white-tailed eagle may no longer soar over rocky coastlines. Closer to home, the case of the Argentine parrot in Malaga stands out as a troubling example of an invasive species wreaking havoc.

The Argentine parrot, native to the subtropical regions of South America, has been disrupting the local fauna and flora. They damage vegetation while constructing their nests, harming plants in the process. These parrots are also destroying entire harvests, causing losses worth millions of euros. Furthermore, they can spread diseases like psittacosis, which has symptoms similar to pneumonia, through their feces. In Malaga, they are displacing native species like sparrows and doves, thriving in the parks and gardens of the region.

How did these parrots end up in Malaga?

The first Argentine parrots were officially documented in Spain in 1986, and a year later, their first nest was discovered in a grove of palms near the Parador de Golf in Malaga. According to a 2019 study by the University of Malaga, there are currently between 4,000 and 5,000 of these parrots in the province. Their spread is mainly due to releases by residents who, tired of their pets, let them go. Now, the Argentine parrot is considered an invasive exotic species.

What actions have been taken?

Today, owning an Argentine parrot as a pet is prohibited, with fines starting at 3,000 euros. The Spanish government has implemented a control and sterilization program to avoid euthanizing the parrots. However, stricter control of their population is urgently needed. Local resources must be invested to address this issue. Unfortunately, this problem goes beyond animals. Each year, 32,900 hectares of tropical forests are destroyed in Spain, with key drivers being the production and consumption of beef, palm oil, and soybeans.

The Case of Andalusian Avocado and Its Environmental Impact

In addition to invasive species, agricultural practices in Spain also pose significant environmental threats. While most global avocado production occurs in the southern hemisphere, Spain, particularly Andalusia, is the top producer in Europe, with the continent's market demanding an average of 5,000 to 5,500 tons per week. The environmental impact of avocado cultivation is considerable, with many farmers switching to monoculture, clearing vast tracts of forest to increase production. The avocado plant’s high water needs further exacerbate the situation, risking water shortages in Andalusian soils.

Andalusia is the only European region capable of growing tropical fruit due to its subtropical Mediterranean climate along the coastlines of Granada and Malaga. The proximity to European markets gives Andalusian avocados a competitive edge over imports, resulting in high-quality fruit. However, the severe droughts and the financial costs of maintaining these avocado plantations have led some farmers to uproot their avocado trees, repurposing the land for other crops. This forced measure may help conserve the territory in the long run.

In conclusion, a global awareness campaign is crucial. In today’s digital age, where social media dominates, people need more information about the severe environmental threats we face. Education on climate change and biodiversity should be integrated into school curricula to foster a more informed and constructive consciousness. It’s time for human interests—whether financial or personal—to stop prevailing over the health of our planet.

Edited by Carlos Collado