Non-Carnivorous Mammals

This large group is also well represented in the south west Algarve. The Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus although common in many areas, is sadly never abundant nowadays. Myxamatosis, other diseases and over-hunting are apparently the main causes for their considerable regression in recent decades in much of Europe. It is believed that the general demise of their natural predators, both mammalian and avian, is the main factor causing unhealthy rabbit populations. In an Algarve context, creatures like the Pardel Lynx, Wildcat, Western Polecat and Bonelli’s Eagle are nature’s way of eliminating the weaker, diseased, or older, non-reproductive individuals.

Until recently considered a race of the European Brown Hare, but now considered a separate species, the Iberian Hare Lepus granatensis, is also hunted, but still common in the more open areas of the south west. Hares do not seem to be as affected by the problems that plague the rabbit.

The Wild Boar Sus scrofa is often abundant, especially in cork oak woodlands and surrounding farmland. Its nocturnal habits lead to its being overlooked, except perhaps by enterprising local restauranteurs. The well-known Western Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor is also very common and found in most habitats.

The Iberian Mole Talpa occidentalis recently classified as a separate species from the two other European moles, has a patchy distribution but, like its counterparts, is considered a pest in some areas.

Three species of voles are present in the southwest Algarve, the largest being the Southern Water Vole Arvicola sapidus. As its name suggests, this species is confined to areas of freshwater. The much rarer, smaller Cabrera´s Vole Microtus cabrerae, is an Iberian endemic and, although not strictly aquatic, is found invariably in areas close to water. The Mediterranean Pine Vole Pitymys duodecimcostatus is very common in farmland, causing problems for farmers, as this species consumes large amounts of cereals and is especially fond of beans.

Two species of shrew inhabit the region, both are abundant in undisturbed undergrowth and, to the initiated, easily detected by their frequent vocalisations, a very high-pitched squeaking. The Greater White-toothed Shrew Crocidura russula is a tiny mouse-like (but completely unrelated) creature with an elongated muzzle typical of members of this charismatic family. Its much smaller relative, the minute Pygmy White-toothed Shrew Suncus etruscus, is the smallest mammal in the world. A fully-grown adult is the size of an average grape (35 to 52 mm) and weighs in at a diminutive 1.5 to 2.5 grams.

Apart from the practically cosmopolitan Black Rat Rattus rattus, Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus and the House Mouse Mus musculus, which are nearly always associated with buildings, the much more attractive Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus, and the Algerian Mouse Mus spretus are countryside rodents. Both avoid human habitation and are common throughout the area.

The south western Algarve is particularly important for bats, supporting no less than twelve species of this notoriously difficult to identify family. All are strictly protected by law and most have the unenviable status of endangered, with some threatened with imminent extinction. Among the most notable species are the Greater Noctule Nyctalus lasiopterus, the largest bat in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 46 cm, and very rare through its restricted range. Other very large bats include the Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, which has declined by 90% in the last decades over much of its range, but still holds out in the area. Recently discovered locally is the Mehely´s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus mehelyi. This species prefers limestone areas, hunting low over the ground with a slow-motion, very skillful flight.

Last but not least is the charming Garden Dormouse Eliomys quercinus. A rare species in Portugal, found only in seven of the 50 X 50 km quadrants used in the recently completed comprehensive Portuguese mammal atlas. In the south west Algarve it is not uncommonly found in oak and pine woodlands, orchards and even gardens. It is largely nocturnal, but often still active in the first hour or two after dawn.