Wildlife

Iberian Lynx: Back from the Brink of Extinction

The Iberian lynx was the most endangered cat in the world but has recovered dramatically through dedicated conservation.

Key Facts

Iberian lynx population reached a low of around 94 individuals in 2002
Recovery programmes have increased the population to over 1,000 by 2023
They are highly dependent on European rabbit as prey making rabbit disease impacts critical
Iberian lynx kittens are raised in specialised breeding centres before release to the wild
Genetic management is critical as the small founder population has limited diversity

Welfare Considerations

Iberian lynx welfare is closely tied to rabbit population dynamics. Myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease outbreaks that reduce rabbit populations force lynx to travel further and face nutritional stress. Road mortality is a significant concern in fragmented habitat. Captive breeding animals face welfare challenges from the intensive management required for genetic goals. Reintroduced animals must establish territories in landscapes with existing human activity.

What You Can Do

Support WWF Spain Iberian lynx recovery programme
Donate to the LIFE Lynx Conservation project coordinating recovery across Spain and Portugal
Advocate for continued rabbit population management that supports lynx prey availability
Support road mitigation infrastructure including wildlife underpasses in lynx habitat
Engage with ecotourism programmes that fund lynx conservation in Andalucia