[1] This integration is expected to benefit animals such as the Cantabrian brown bear which have been adversely affected by habitat fragmentation.

The human population carries out traditional livestock farming including transhumance using high pastures called "brañas".

Cantabrian brown bears are often found in the park, which appears to have a key role in the corridors used by this endangered species.

Genetic studies show that the surviving Cantabrian brown bears were divided in the twentieth century into two populations separated by a bear-free zone.

Bird-life includes the Cantabrian Capercaillie, a member of the grouse family which is dependent on large tracts of mature woodland.