Wildlife Wonders at Wild Finca: Exploring the Ecosystem Through Recording and Observation
Understanding the wildlife that inhabits a particular area provides valuable insights into the health of its habitat. At Wild Finca, a diverse range of species coexist, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Let's delve into the tools we use for recording wildlife, and the fascinating species that call Wild Finca home.
Recording Wildlife: Tools and Techniques
Recording wildlife at Wild Finca is a crucial step in monitoring the health of the ecosystem. While identifying every living being may seem daunting, specific tools and techniques can simplify the process. Here are some essential tools for recording wildlife:
Binoculars: Essential for viewing wildlife, available across all price ranges.
Bat Detector: These help tune into different frequencies to identify bat species, though some require expert interpretation.
Camera Traps: Affordable and effective for monitoring wildlife 24/7, capturing moments we might otherwise miss.
Reptile Mats: Made from corrugated metal or roofing felt, these mats provide warmth and shelter for reptiles, making it easier to monitor their presence and numbers.
Sweep Net: A sweep net is a specialized tool used in ecological studies to collect and quantify invertebrates, such as insects, in a particular area. It typically consists of a sturdy frame with a mesh net attached to it. You sweep the net through vegetation or grassy areas, capturing insects and other small invertebrates in the net. The collected specimens can then be carefully examined, identified, and counted to assess the diversity and abundance of invertebrates in the ecosystem. Sweep nets are valuable tools for conducting biodiversity surveys, monitoring insect populations, and studying the ecological dynamics of various habitats.
Moth Traps: A moth trap is a device designed to attract and capture moths for scientific research, monitoring, or conservation purposes. Moth traps typically consist of a light source, such as a bulb or a UV lamp, mounted above a container or a sheet where moths are lured by the light and then collected. The light emitted by the trap attracts moths from the surrounding area, drawing them towards the trap where they can be safely captured without harm. Moth traps are commonly used to study moth populations, species diversity, migration patterns, and behavior. By collecting moths in a controlled manner, moth traps provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation of these nocturnal insects.
Apps: Tools like Merlin Bird App can help id birds on their call, whilst iNaturalist is able to show other naturalists imagery of wildlife that can help them identify the species for you.
Wild Boar: Ecosystem Engineers of the Landscape
Wild Boar, loved by some and disliked by others, play a vital role as ecosystem engineers at Wild Finca. With a current population of approximately 10 million across Europe, these creatures aerate the ground through rooting and create pathways through scrub, benefiting various wildlife species such as Robins.
Roe Deer and Other Mammals
Roe Deer, along with Fallow Deer and Red Deer in the nearby Sueve region, are browsers and grazers that shape the landscape by nibbling on new shoots and saplings. The medium-sized mammals at Wild Finca, including Red Fox, European Badger, Wild Cat, and others, contribute to the biodiversity of the area.
Bats: Guardians of the Night Sky
Wild Finca is home to a diverse array of bat species, including Soprano Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared Bat, and Greater Horseshoe Bat. These nocturnal creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance and the 16 species we have counted here at Wild Finca are clear indicators of the area's rich habitats.
Local Birds and Migratory Species
With 113 bird species recorded throughout the year, Wild Finca is a haven for avian diversity. From common resident birds like Blackbirds and Eurasian Starlings to migratory species such as Nightjars and Cuckoos, the area buzzes with birdlife year-round.
Red-backed Shrike, one of our Wild Finca showstoppers!
Raptors, Insects, Amphibians, and Reptiles
The presence of birds of prey, such as Barn Owls and Eurasian Sparrowhawks, a variety of insects including bees and butterflies, and diverse amphibians and reptiles such as Grass Snakes and Common Frogs further enrich the biodiversity of Wild Finca.
Engaging with the Local Community & Experts
We always encourage reaching out to those locally to you with expertise to learn and grow. When we first arrived we made contact with an Iberian Wolf speicalist, who took us out into the mountains to see our first wolves. Luke also spends time with a Local Forest Guard who has the inside knowledge on nesting bird surveys, which can be very useful. We were visited by a bat specialist from Belgium, who helped identify 16 different bat species during his stay at Wild Finca.
The Future of Wild Finca
Exploring the intricacies of wildlife and rewilding at Wild Finca is a continuous journey of discovery and learning. As we look ahead, the conservation efforts at Wild Finca continue to evolve.
By observing, recording, and appreciating the diverse species that inhabit this landscape, we gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your own wildlife experiences in the Wild Finca Community Space.