flora
Mammals
93
Many of Extremadura’s mammals can be found along any of the minor roads in the dehesas, but to encounter them (alive!) you have to be lucky. Otter is common on most of the rivers, such as on routes 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13, 15, 16, 21. Egyptian Mongoose can be seen in many places but appears to be more often seen on routes 4, 6 and 21. Red Deer can be found on route 11. Iberian Hare is frequently seen in the steppes, such as routes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 22. The chances of seeing Iberian Lynx in Extremadura are close to zero, but the area they have been introduced is near the Matachel river (route 22). Look for Iberian Ibex on route 16.
The forests and scrub offer shelter, the grassy fields and trees provide food and pools and many streams relieve thirst‌ it is hard to think of a better type of landscape for mammals than that of Extremadura. It may, therefore, come as a surprise that the Mammalian fauna is not nearly as diverse as the birdlife or that of the reptiles and amphibians. The distinct Mediterranean flavour to these other species groups, is not as evident in the mammals. Most of these animals are also present in the countries of central and western Europe. Among the ungulates, the familiar Red Deer and the Wild Boar occur in good numbers throughout the wooded parts of the region, particularly the dehesas. They are drawn by the pasture and the clearings in which they can forage. In many dehesas the number of Red Deer is unnaturally high because they are being bred for the hunt. The Extremaduran history of the familiar Roe Deer of temperate Europe is quite extraordinary. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Roe Deer was widespread in the mountains of Cåceres Province. In the course of the century, it
flora and fauna
Red Deer occur throughout the mountains and dehesas. Together with Wild Boar, it is the most prized game animal for hunters. Some estates are maintained solely for the deer hunt.