Why the Iberian Lynx Is Endangered

Did you know that the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is one of the most endangered feline species in the world? According to the IUCN Red List, it has been classified as “Endangered” for decades. Several factors contribute to the decline of this unique wild cat, including habitat destruction, food scarcity, illegal hunting, road accidents, and disease.

Fortunately, thanks to dedicated conservation projects, the population of this species has slowly begun to recover in recent years. In this article, we’ll explain why the Iberian lynx is in danger of extinction, how many individuals remain in the wild, and what actions are being taken to protect it.

Main Characteristics of the Iberian Lynx

The Iberian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat found only on the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain and Portugal. It is highly distinctive because of its:

• Appearance: Triangular ears with black tufts of fur, a short black-tipped tail (8–15 cm), spots on its coat, and a small “beard” of fur around the cheeks and neck.

• Size: Body length between 85 and 110 cm (not including the tail). Males weigh around 12–15 kg, while females weigh between 9–15 kg.

• Hunting skills: Able to leap up to 5 meters when pouncing on prey.

• Habitat: Found mainly in protected natural parks, mountainous areas, and semi-arid landscapes.

• Diet: Highly dependent on the European rabbit, which makes up the majority of its diet. It may also eat partridges, quail, rodents, and reptiles.

Why the Iberian Lynx Is Endangered

Several human and environmental factors have driven the Iberian lynx to the brink of extinction:

1. Dependence on Rabbits

• Rabbits are the primary food source.

• Rabbit populations plummeted due to two diseases: Myxomatosis (1950s) and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (1980s), causing prey numbers to drop by more than 80%.

2. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

• Human activities, including urban expansion, agriculture, and road construction, have destroyed and fragmented much of its natural habitat.

• Natural disasters such as wildfires have further reduced suitable territory.

3. Human Threats

• Illegal hunting and poaching for fur or trophies.

• Use of poison and traps, which often harm lynxes unintentionally.

4. Road Traffic Accidents

• A large number of lynx deaths today are caused by being struck by vehicles in and around protected areas.

5. Genetic Bottleneck and Disease

• The small population size has led to low genetic diversity, weakening resistance to disease and reducing long-term survival prospects.

How Many Iberian Lynxes Remain?

• 2012: Fewer than 156 individuals remained in the wild, mostly in Andalusia (Doñana National Park and Sierra de Andújar).

• 2017: Conservation programs such as Life IberLince helped the population rebound to 589 lynxes, spread across 8 core areas.

• Today: They are mainly found in Andalusia (about 448 individuals), as well as smaller populations in Extremadura (Badajoz), Castilla-La Mancha (Ciudad Real and Toledo), and in Portugal’s Mértola region.

Although numbers have increased, the total population remains very small and fragile.

How We Can Protect the Iberian Lynx

Conservation requires efforts from governments, NGOs, and individuals. Effective measures include:

• Expanding natural reserves and protected areas.

• Installing wildlife crossings, fences, and tunnels to reduce roadkill.

• Strengthening fire prevention and habitat management.

• Enforcing stricter laws against poaching, poisoning, and illegal wildlife trade.

• Supporting breeding and reintroduction programs.

• Encouraging public participation through volunteering, donations, and awareness campaigns.

• Educating local communities in Spain and Portugal about the importance of lynx conservation.

Conclusion

The Iberian lynx is not only a symbol of the Iberian Peninsula but also a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. Once on the brink of extinction, its slow recovery proves that conservation programs do work—but the species is still highly vulnerable.

Protecting its habitat, ensuring prey availability, reducing human threats, and maintaining public awareness are all critical steps to ensure that this extraordinary wild cat can thrive again in southern Europe.

animal tags： Iberian Lynx