The Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ) has made an impressive recovery, which recently led to a change in its status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In June 2024, the status of this rare cat was changed from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable', marking a major milestone in conservation.
From the Brink of Extinction to Recovery
At the beginning of this century, the Iberian lynx was on the verge of extinction. In 2001, there were only 62 adults in the wild. Thanks to large-scale conservation measures, including breeding programs, reintroduction to the wild and habitat restoration, the population has grown considerably.
In 2022, the number of adult lynxes was estimated at 648 , with a total population of 1,668 individuals, including juveniles. The population trend has shown exponential growth over the past 18 years (2005-2022). The average population density was 19.5 individuals per 100 km².
How was this achieved?
The recovery of the Iberian lynx is due to the collaboration of government agencies, scientists, conservation organizations and local communities. Some of the most important efforts include:
Breeding Programs and Reintroduction: Lynx have been successfully bred in captivity and subsequently released into the wild.
Prey Conservation: The population of the European rabbit, the lynx's main prey species, has been restored and protected.
Habitat Restoration: Natural habitats have been restored and expanded to provide a safe habitat for the lynx.
Conservation measures: Preventing poaching, reducing road casualties and genetic management have reversed population declines.
Why still vulnerable?
The Iberian lynx's 'Species Recovery Score' is 22% , which is considered 'largely depleted'. This is because the species is absent from two of the six habitats and present but non-functional in the remaining four areas. Although the species has recovered strongly , it remains vulnerable due to factors such as rabbit disease, road casualties and habitat loss due to climate change.
Future expectations
Continuation of current conservation measures, together with planned reintroductions in areas where the lynx is currently absent, could double the recovery score to a 'medium recovery' in the next decade . However, without these efforts, the species would likely disappear from eastern Spain within the next decade, dropping the recovery score to 16%.
Despite these challenges, recovery potential remains high, thanks in part to the remaining suitable habitat and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.
🌿 What do you think of these conservation successes? Let us know in the comments!
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