Animal Facilities

Animal facilities (UEA) include several premises intended for carrying out research with living animals (mainly vertebrates) in accordance with European laws on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) has been authorised and registered as a user's establishment (REGA 410910008014) in compliance with the above law.

Research at EBD-CSIC predominantly uses a wide range of free-ranging wildlife species in field studies. Most uses are conducted for basic research purposes (Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Physiology), as well as applied studies aimed at conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the natural environment.

Owing to scientific or conservation purposes, some animals may be temporarily kept in captivity, and released back to the wild under appropriate conditions. The animal facilities are specifically designed to house small amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Occasionally, domestic animals (mice, rabbits, chicken or zebra finches) are used for scientific or training purposes. Most animals (98 %) used are born in the European Union outside registered breeders, and are not genetically altered. No cats, dogs or non-human primates are used.

All projects and procedures using animals must be authorized to comply with Spanish and EU laws (RD 53/2013) to ensure that reliable scientific results are obtained using the lowest number of animals and causing them the lowest possible pain, suffering, distress, or long-lasting harm. Through its transparency portal, EBD-CSIC offers public information about its institutional policy on the use of animals for scientific purposes, the animals and procedures used and the published research findngs