MADRID, Spain: The Iberian lynx, once teetering on the brink of extinction, has made a dramatic recovery thanks to concerted conservation efforts.
From a perilously low count of 62 mature individuals in 2001, the population has surged to over 2,000 today. This turnaround is hailed as the “greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved through conservation,” according to Francisco Javier Salcedo Ortiz, the leader of the conservation actions for the Iberian lynx.
In the late 20th century, the Iberian lynx faced a dire situation. The population declined by 87%, and breeding females saw a drop of over 90% from 1985 to 2001. This alarming decline prompted urgent action from conservationists. The recovery plan focused on restoring the lynx’s natural habitat of Mediterranean scrub and forests, alongside boosting the numbers of their primary prey, the European rabbit.
Efforts also included increasing the genetic diversity of the lynx by relocating individuals to new areas and implementing controlled breeding programs. Since 2010, over 400 Iberian lynx have been reintroduced into parts of Portugal and Spain. These measures have been pivotal in reviving the species and stabilizing their numbers.
Despite this success, challenges remain. The lynx still faces threats from fluctuating prey populations, poaching, and road accidents. Salcedo Ortiz emphasized the ongoing need for diligent conservation efforts to ensure the species’ long-term survival. He stated, “There is still a lot of work to do to ensure that Iberian lynx populations survive.”
The remarkable recovery of the Iberian lynx stands as a testament to the effectiveness of targeted conservation strategies. However, continuous efforts and vigilance are essential to maintain and further the progress achieved so far.
