The Iberian lynx roams the Maqui ecosystem as the apex predator in the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing Portugal and Spain This remarkable wildcat is unique to the peninsula and is known for its elusive nature. Over the past few years, it has made significant strides in its conservation status, transitioning from critically endangered to endangered with the assistance of various conservation programs.
A bit about the Iberian Lynx
These cats showcase a coat of short, yellowish to reddish-brown fur adorned with unique patterns arranged in lines. These patterns gradually decrease in size from the back to the sides of the cat. This intricately designed coat not only adds to their elusive nature but also equips them with the tools they need as adept hunters, complemented by their retractable claws. Additionally, they feature dark ear tufts, adding to their unique appearance and potentially assisting in their hearing. With their short, black-tipped tails, long and powerful limbs, and small heads and bodies, they possess the ideal attributes of an exceptional predator. Notably, their captivating eyes, typically golden or amber in colour, exhibit a piercing gaze that remains just as sharp during the nighttime.
Given their specialization as agile predators, it is unsurprising that the Iberian lynx preys on fast-moving creatures. However, this species has a unique diet that primarily consists of rabbits, accounting for about 90% of their food intake. Each lynx typically requires a rabbit per day, while mothers need at least three rabbits to sustain themselves and their offspring including the 10 months of parental care.
The primary reliance on wild rabbits apart from the occasional duck, young deer and partridge has been a significant factor contributing to the decline of the lynx population. Unfortunately, wild rabbits are often regarded as pests by humans, leading to the implementation of measures like the spread of myxomatosis in France spread to the Iberian Peninsula too. This indirect impact on the rabbit population has had detrimental consequences for the Iberian lynx, exacerbated by habitat fragmentation. which indirectly affected lynx very badly after habitat fragmentation. Urbanization in the scrublands leads to motorway accidents, trapping and poaching.
The Fall of the Iberian Lynx
During the 19th century, the Iberian lynx was considered to be a separate species and not a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx which also appeared during the Pleistocene era. With studies on the species, in 2002, these rabbit hunters were listed as critically endangered and were found in the Andalusian region of Spain and were considered extinct in Portugal. With the help of various organizations, from 94 in the wild, in 2020, the population increased to 547 and in 2025 it’s expected to gain vulnerable status. All this was possible with the help of the Life+IBERLINCE conservation programme which received more than 70 million euro of which half of it was given by the EU and got help more than 20 organization.
Brining back the Iberian Lynx
The first project, titled “Actuations for the conservation of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardina)” (1994-1999), aimed to conserve the Iberian lynx in Spain. It involved various stakeholders, including the Community of Madrid, the Superior Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), and environmental agencies from different regions. The project focused on monitoring the lynx populations, understanding their risks and threats, and implementing measures to control non-natural mortality.
The second project, “Recovery of the Iberian lynx populations (Lynx pardinus) in Andalucía” (2002-2006), was a significant milestone in the conservation of the species. With a substantial budget and partnerships with organizations such as the CBD Habitat Foundation and ecologists in action, the project aimed to stabilize the populations of Iberian lynx in Andalusia. It focused on habitat recovery, reducing non-natural mortality, and monitoring the lynx and rabbit populations, which are crucial for the lynx’s survival.
Following the success of the previous project, the third project, “Conservation and reintroduction of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalucía” (2006-2011), aimed to address the major challenges facing the Iberian lynx. It included measures to reduce non-natural mortality, reintroduce lynx to historical distribution areas, and establish collaboration agreements with private owners and hunting societies. The project received co-financing from the European Union and involved partnerships with various sectors of society, including hunting federations, conservation organizations, and government bodies.
Life+IBERLINCE
The Life+IBERLINCE Project (2012-2016) was a transnational endeavour dedicated to restoring the historical distribution of the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal. Led by the Ministry of Environment and Management of the Territory of Andalusia’s Committee, the project involved collaborations with five Spanish administrations, Portugal, and several non-governmental organizations.
Its primary focus was on habitat restoration, implementing conservation measures, and ensuring the long-term survival of the Iberian lynx population. By extending conservation efforts beyond Andalusia, this project played a vital role in safeguarding the species and its habitat on a broader scale.
In the four LIFE projects focused on the conservation of the Iberian lynx, captive breeding was an integral component of the overall conservation strategy. The captive breeding efforts took place at five specific locations: El Acebuche, La Olivilla, Silves, Zarza de Granadilla, and Zoobotánico de Jerez. These facilities played a crucial role in breeding and maintaining a captive population of Iberian lynxes, which contributed to increasing their numbers and genetic diversity. The captive breeding program was a key element in the conservation initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
By the turn of the millennium, the Iberian lynx’s wild population had dwindled to just two isolated pockets, located in Doñana National Park and the Sierra Morena mountains in southern Spain. However, thanks to the release of captive-bred lynxes, significant progress has been made in expanding their distribution.
As a result, six additional population pockets have been established. transforming the lynx’s range from approximately 100 square miles to an area ten times larger. Today, the Iberian lynx can be found in various regions of Spain, including Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura, as well as in southern Portugal. This expansion of their range signifies a positive step towards the recovery and conservation of the Iberian lynx.
Conclusion
Thanks to these conservation initiatives, the Iberian lynx population has experienced significant growth, and new populations have been established in different regions. By 2015, the species was classified as endangered, marking a remarkable achievement. The projects received recognition from the European Union, including the prestigious “Best of the Best” award. While challenges remain, the ongoing research and conservation programs continue to play a crucial role in securing the future of the Iberian lynx.
In conclusion, the conservation efforts for the Iberian lynx have yielded positive results, with the species transitioning from critically endangered to endangered. Through collaborative programs, habitat restoration, and captive breeding, the population has grown, new populations have been established, and the lynx’s range has expanded. While challenges remain, these achievements highlight the power of conservation and serve as a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our natural world. The success story of the Iberian lynx offers hope and inspiration for the future of biodiversity conservation.
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Written by: Amalendu Sasikumar Nair