Iberian Lynx Rebounds from the Brink of Extinction
The Iberian lynx, native to Spain and Portugal, has made a significant recovery from near extinction. Once on the brink, with only 62 mature individuals recorded in 2001, the species' status has been upgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as announced on June 20, 2024.
This turnaround is attributed to extensive conservation efforts initiated over the past two decades. In 2022, nature reserves in southern Spain and Portugal reported 648 adult lynxes, with recent counts exceeding 2,000 adults and juveniles. Conservation strategies included breeding programs, reintroduction projects, habitat restoration, and efforts to bolster the rabbit population, the lynx's primary prey.
Collaborative projects like the EU-funded LIFE Lynx-Connect have been critical, engaging public bodies, scientific institutions, and local communities. The IUCN has also mitigated threats from poaching and road accidents, providing compensation to farmers for livestock losses.
Despite this success, challenges remain, particularly concerning the stability of the rabbit population and the impacts of climate change. Continued vigilance is essential to ensure the long-term survival of the Iberian lynx.