Published 18 July 2026 | Nature & Environment

TL;DR: A unique exhibition in Roquetas de Mar highlights Almeria’s bird biodiversity alongside the region’s rich local language, preserving over 700 traditional bird names through a series of informative panels.

Exhibition of Almeria’s Traditional Bird Names

A fusion of biodiversity and language

Visitors to Roquetas de Mar can explore a remarkable exhibition that intertwines the natural wealth of Almeria’s bird species with the rich oral traditions of its people. The exhibit, hosted by the Aula del Mar and organized by the Instituto de Estudios Almerienses (IEA), presents a rare combination of scientific knowledge and cultural heritage. Titled “The Birds of Almeria’s People,” it provides a journey through the province by showcasing the vernacular names historically used for local birds, emphasizing the connection between nature and language.

Research and presentation

This project has been carefully curated under the coordination of Mariano Paracuellos Rodríguez, who led rigorous research to recover more than 700 traditional bird names. These names, once commonly used across Almeria’s villages, regions, and rural settlements, correspond to about 200 different bird species. The exhibition includes 15 detailed panels that explain both the species and the linguistic heritage tied to each name, preserving this valuable knowledge from fading into obscurity.

Significance for local identity

The exhibition’s inauguration brought together provincial and local officials, including María Luisa Cruz from the Diputacion de Almeria and Roquetas council members Amalia López and Susi Ibáñez. Cruz emphasized that the display brilliantly combines two of the province’s chief legacies: biodiversity and traditional language. She noted that words such as “gavina,” “colorin,” “pajarica,” and “linero” risk disappearing due to language standardization. Losing these terms would mean losing a unique way of understanding and relating to the land, which makes preserving this linguistic heritage essential for maintaining regional identity.

Role of Roquetas and Aula del Mar

Roquetas de Mar, with its strong ties to the sea, is presented as a fitting host for the exhibition. The council’s Tourism and Beaches spokesperson, Amalia López, encouraged locals and visitors alike to engage with the show. She highlighted the municipality’s valuable natural areas that shelter a diverse range of birds and other wildlife. The Aula del Mar stands out as an important centre for environmental education, hosting exhibitions and activities that connect the public to the coastal ecosystem’s flora, fauna, and marine life. This exhibition enriches the local understanding of the natural world while fostering environmental awareness.

Bridging past and present through language

Unlike typical ornithological exhibits focused solely on visuals or biology, this display also revives the traditional spoken language linked to the region’s avian life. Expressions like “rubitacos,” “zumayas,” and “sigrillos”—once common but now unfamiliar to many—are brought back to public memory. This linguistic revival not only educates visitors about the birds themselves but also reinforces the cultural value of safeguarding both nature and the collective memory tied to it.

The exhibition remains open at the Aula del Mar until 31 August, with visiting hours Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 18:00 to 21:00, and Sundays from 11:00 to 13:00. Locals and tourists are invited to experience this unique perspective on Almeria’s natural and cultural legacy before summer ends.

For updates on protected areas, wildlife, beaches, water and environmental issues, explore our latest Nature & Environment coverage.

Published 18 July 2026 | Nature & Environment

TL;DR: A rare dead bluntnose sixgill shark was found on Las Negras beach , sparking local debate about shark conservation and marine pollution.

Dead Sixgill Shark on Las Negras Beach

Unusual Shark Sighting in Shallow Waters

Locals and visitors at Las Negras beach were recently confronted with an uncommon sight—a dead bluntnose sixgill shark washed ashore. The shark, identified as a gray sixgill (Hexanchus griseus), caught attention both for its rarity near the coastline and its impressive size. Most sixgills dwell at depths far below the surface, making this encounter quite exceptional. A video of the deceased animal circulated widely on social media, prompting discussions among onlookers and online users alike.

Characteristics and Habitat of the Sixgill Shark

The sixgill shark is among the largest members of the Hexanchidae family, capable of growing over six meters long and reaching weights above a thousand kilos. It is distinguished by having six gill slits on each side of its head—one more than typical sharks—characterizing it as a relatively primitive species from an evolutionary standpoint. The shark’s robust body, flattened broad head, short rounded snout, and notably large greenish eyes set it apart visually.

Sixgill sharks inhabit deep ocean waters across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer depths nearing 1,900 meters, but at certain times of the year, particularly at night, they ascend towards shallower coastal waters. Despite their broad distribution, sightings close to shorelines are infrequent due to their deep-water habits.

Questions Around the Cause of Death

While the sixgill shark is not considered dangerous to humans, it is a seldom-encountered species. The circumstances surrounding this specimen’s death are unclear. Observers noted the shark appeared to be missing parts of its body, but there were no evident bite marks indicating an attack by a larger predator. Some speculate it may have become entangled in a fishing trawl, an accidental threat known to affect deep-sea species. The lack of clarity has sparked a vigorous debate online about human impacts on marine life and the challenges these elusive sharks face.

Local Concerns on Marine Conservation

The beach discovery has resonated beyond Almeria, with comments from different parts of Spain, such as Asturias, noting a troubling increase in reports of dead sharks washing up on various coasts in recent months. These observations raise concerns over insufficient protective measures for shark species compared to other marine animals like turtles. Additionally, many voices stress the importance of combating pollution—especially from plastics and microplastics—as these contaminants have serious repercussions on marine ecosystems.

This incident highlights not just the mystery surrounding the fate of this rare sixgill shark but also broader environmental issues challenging marine conservation efforts along Spain’s shores. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and ocean life, and the need for sustained awareness and action to protect these remarkable creatures.

For updates on protected areas, wildlife, beaches, water and environmental issues, explore our latest Nature & Environment coverage.

Published 18 July 2026 | Nature & Environment

TL;DR: Almeria’s long history of devastating wildfires reveals ongoing vulnerability, with recent fires like Los Gallardos marking some of the deadliest in the province’s memory.

Recent Devastating Wildfires in Almeria

The 1991 Inferno

Almeria’s harsh relationship with wildfires stretches back decades, with one of the most catastrophic events occurring on 22 August 1991. This event remains the darkest day in the province’s forest history, marked by a deliberate attack that overwhelmed firefighting resources at the time. Five separate fire fronts ignited simultaneously, consuming over 12,000 official hectares of land—although some reports at the time estimated the damage to be as high as 15,000 hectares. The flames ravaged areas including Alhama de Almeria, Enix, Felix, Terque, and Ragol, forcing emergency evacuations of dozens of rural homesteads. The entire region was enveloped in thick smoke and ash, causing widespread distress. That summer saw a staggering 103 fires across the province, destroying more than 13,000 hectares and leaving deep ecological scars that still echo today.

The 2009 and 2014 Fires in Sierra Cabrera

Nearly 20 years later, the heart of Sierra Cabrera suffered a major wildfire. In July 2009, fierce westerly winds made containment efforts nearly impossible as flames swept through the landscapes of Turre and the outskirts of Mojacar. About 4,700 hectares of valuable low forest and shrubland were lost, marking the largest wildfire recorded in all of Andalusia that year. Unfortunately, the same area was struck again in March 2014 during a harsh storm with gusts exceeding 100 km/h. The collapse of an electricity tower in Alhabia or Terque ignited blazes that spread rapidly into surrounding mountainous terrain. This “Great Forest Fire of Alhama” affected several municipalities including Alhama de Almeria, Alicun, Huecija, Bentarique, Illar, Instincion, and Enix. Over 3,200 hectares burned in this event, prompting authorities to prioritize restoration projects and soil erosion prevention efforts to help the land recover.

The Recent Fires in Níjar and Los Gallardos

Wildfires have continued to threaten Almeria’s natural spaces in recent years. One of the latest significant incidents took place in May 2024 in the El Jabonero area of Nivar. The fire spread with alarming speed across this extremely dry esparto grassland, consuming about 1,800 hectares before authorities successfully stopped the flames just shy of the protected Cabo de Gata Nature Park. While the ecological damage was significant, the situation escalated even further in July 2026 with the devastating fire in Los Gallardos. This blaze not only caused immense environmental harm but also resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives, marking it as the deadliest wildfire in the province’s recent history.

A Continuous Challenge

Almeria’s wildfire history paints a picture of a region vulnerable to powerful, destructive fires that continue to threaten its towns, natural landscapes, and residents. Each major event—from the intentional devastation in 1991 to the recent human toll in Los Gallardos—has underscored the need for ongoing vigilance, improved firefighting resources, and comprehensive land management strategies. With climate factors such as severe drought and strong winds often intensifying these fires, the province faces an enduring challenge to protect its environment and communities from further wildfire disasters.

For updates on protected areas, wildlife, beaches, water and environmental issues, explore our latest Nature & Environment coverage.