The Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) is a kind of semi-aquatic mole that lives in the North of the Iberian Peninsula and the North of the Pyrenees mountains.
They live in the rivers of the Pyrenees, between 600 and 2000 meters above sea level. They are nocturnal, live in couples next to the rivers, and are excellent swimmers. Their most noticeable characteristic is their long trumpet-shaped snout, which they use to find larvae underwater to eat.
Recently, this species' population has been plummeting as a result of their habitat's degradation, water becoming worse quality, more human population in their surroundings, climate change, and hydroelectric infrastructure being built in the rivers where they live which slows down the river's course velocity. In both Catalonia and Andorra it has been added to the list of protected fauna in risk of extinction, though there is still larger populations in Catalonia. The Andorran government has a programme to study its habitat to protect it more effectively.
Habitat of the Pyrenean desman.
Information and photos from Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror (Andorra) and Government of Catalonia. Third photo from Crónicas de Fauna. Habitat map: Wikimedia.
