An alarming ecological crisis
Currently, more than 32,000 species, including a wide variety of vegetables, are on the edge of extinction. This situation, which may seem like a trivial theme, hides a much more serious reality. Among these species, more than five thousand animals are in immediate danger. The question we should ask ourselves is: What European animals could disappear soon?
The Oliba: an indicator of our environment
The owl, a species that inhabits open agricultural environments, has seen its population alarmingly in recent decades. This decrease is mainly due to the loss of its natural habitat and the mortality caused by human activity, such as the use of Raticides and collisions. It is currently classified as a vulnerable species.
Habitat and preferences
The owl seeks well -preserved agricultural spaces, preferably in low and quiet areas. Its ideal habitats include agroforestry mosaics and wetlands, as well as peri -urban areas. However, it avoids dense forests, although it is well adapted to human -modified environments, hunting micromammals in a wide range of crops.
A receding distribution
In Catalonia, the owl has remained in a wide range of land below 800 meters, with a remarkable presence in the interior plains and coastal areas. However, it has experienced a loss of 35% of its territory in the last 35-40 years. The agricultural plains of the Ebro Delta and the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà are some of their favorite hunting areas, but significant losses have also been detected in other regions.
A worrying panorama in Spain and Europe
In the rest of the peninsula, the owl still has a continuous distribution, but the data indicate a clear fragmentation. In just two decades, it has lost 43% of its territory in Spain. The situation is similar to Europe, where this species occupies the Mediterranean area and other regions, but also shows a worrying regressive tendency.
Final reflections on conservation
As species like the owl confronts the disappearance, it is essential that we become aware of the importance of preserving our natural environment. Loss of biodiversity not only affects endangered species, but also has deep implications for the balance of ecosystems and the health of the planet. Our collective responsibility is to act now to guarantee a future where these species can prosper.
