"The Sierra de Andujar is being abandoned and neglected cruelly"

Leocadio Rueda Checa, a faithful witness to evolution in the sierra, dates back to post-warrationing, the adventures and misfortunes of the last "maquis" who were thrown into mountains, the evolution transhumance from mountains to countryside of Andujar to big game hunting, and the fencing of farms which mixes them with personal experience.

His role as a shepherd in Andujar's mountains has had a significant impact. Both his adventures are published in books and his constant fight against the wolves has been covered in many national media. Leocadio was raised in love and responsible management of natural resources. This sustainable use resulted in the Andujar mountain range's biological diversity, which is a testament to the personality of those who have cared for it.

LeocadioRueda, through IDEAL, conveyed to the current generation that they must respect the environment. "The Sierra de Andujar has been damaged a lot because they have abandoned its flora, and for example, they have the cattle locked up without any blood cross and they transmit diseases and animals to domestic animals with the loss that this entails to ranchers." He regrets the statement of a well-known retired pastor.

He longs to recall how his generation looked after the mountains with such love and care. "Now it isn't nearly as good as it was before because of abandonment and carelessness," warns he with concern.

The Wolves

Rueda says that people are trying to destroy the wolf because they think it will kill them. However, they only kill about 10 hinds per year and hundreds of cattle die from diseases. Rueda recalls that there was once a lot big game hunting activity in the Sierra de Andujar. "It gave us a lot courage that the wolves killed the cattle, but it took them two months," he said. Rueda also stated that Andujar's people are not aware of the history of the mountains. He dismantles the official version about a nuclear reactor accident that took place in the mountains nearly 60 years ago.

Leocadio encourages new generations to learn about his mountains, fauna, and plants. He also asks them to "get to know where the animals are developed and how their young are, and how the flowers bloom." He recommends that natural environments be protected. "They throw a lot, including beer bottles, plastic, and cigarette butts, as if it were something they detest." He suggests that firewalls should be very large so that one area does not burn in the event that there is a fire.