'A rabbit always has to run': Spanish rangers fear for lives after double murder

The killing of two rangers in Catalonia a year ago this week, marked a chilling turning point for colleagues facing up to increasing violence towards Europe's wildlife defenders

On a hill above the olive trees and dun scrublands of western Catalonia, two rusty iron silhouettes maintain a still and silent vigil. One peers out over the land through a pair of binoculars; the other kneels and holds a bird forever on the cusp of release.

At their feet is a simple plaque: "In memory and recognition of Xavier Ribes Villas and David Iglesias Diez, wildlife rangers whose lives were taken in the line of duty on 21 January 2017."