The Andalusian Funnel-Web Spider – Macrothele calpeiana

The Andalusian Funnel-Web Spider – Macrothele calpeiana Hidden beneath stones, tree roots and the leaf litter of southern Iberia lives one of Europe’s most impressive spiders. Macrothele calpeiana, commonly called the Andalusian, Spanish or Gibraltar funnel-web spider, is a large, dark mygalomorph spider whose striking appearance has inevitably earned it a rather fearsome reputation. In […]

Permissions for Tree Removal in Spain

In Spain, you almost always need prior permission from your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to remove a tree, even if it is located on your own private property. Key Rules and Regulations • Public Interest Priority: Spanish law prioritizes ecological public interest and environmental protection over private ownership, meaning mature, established, or specific native species […]

Red Palm Weevil

• Mandatory reporting: The red palm weevil is a heavily regulated quarantine pest under EU and Spanish law. Property owners are legally required to report suspected or confirmed infestations to their local town hall (ayuntamiento) or regional agricultural department (Consejería de Agricultura). • Controlled disposal: You cannot legally chop down and throw an infested palm […]