{"id":993,"date":"2024-11-01T16:57:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T17:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lookbangalore.com\/?p=993"},"modified":"2024-12-23T12:24:16","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T12:24:16","slug":"iberian-lynx-make-a-remarkable-recovery-in-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/lookbangalore.com\/index.php\/2024\/11\/01\/iberian-lynx-make-a-remarkable-recovery-in-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"Iberian Lynx make a Remarkable Recovery in Portugal"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2001, WWF declared the Iberian lynx (Lynx <\/em><\/span>pardinus<\/em>) \u201c<\/span>the most endangered cat species<\/span><\/a> and the only endemic large carnivore in Europe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the time, the situation for the Iberian lynx was dire: They were found in just a handful of isolated pockets of Spain and Portugal, and <\/span>the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated the population had dwindled to just 62 mature individuals.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Populations had declined from 15 subpopulations in the 1940s to only two subpopulations in the early 1990s. The species had experienced an 80% range loss between 1960 and 1990. <\/span>By<\/span> 1980<\/span>, <\/span>the <\/span>Portuguese lynx population<\/span><\/a> was estimated<\/span> at no more than 50 individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, the Iberian lynx population, including young and mature cats, is estimated to be more than 2,000. As a result, in June 2024, the IUCN removed the Iberian lynx from the Endangered list, upgrading its status to Vulnerable.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article explores the journey of the Iberian lynx from near extinction to a conservation success story, highlighting key actions, challenges and prospects. WWF plays a critical role in those efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iberian<\/p>\n

About the Iberian Lynx<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the early 19th century, thousands of Iberian lynx inhabited Spain, Portugal and Southern France.\u00a0Fossils suggest the species has been present in Iberia since the end of the Early Pleistocene, around one million years ago, and that its range has extended far into France and Italy.<\/span><\/p>\n

An <\/span>adult Iberian lynx<\/span><\/a> is heavily spotted, weighs 22\u201329 pounds, and has long legs and a <\/span>very<\/span> short tail with a black tip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Female lynxes generally give birth in March and April. The average litter size is 3, but it is rare for 3 Iberian lynx cubs to survive weaning\u2014mortality rates are high. Kits become independent at 7 to 10 months old but remain with the mother until around 20 months old. The survival of the young depends heavily on the availability of prey species.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Iberian lynx depends heavily on wild rabbits to feed, but it will also eat ducks, young deer and partridges if rabbit densities are low. An adult lynx needs about one rabbit per day; a mother raising lynx kits might need three.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iberian lynx prefer open grassland mixed with dense shrubs such as strawberry tree, mastic, and juniper, and trees such as holm oak and <\/span>cork oak<\/span><\/a> and mark their territory with urine, scratch marks on the barks of trees, and scat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adult home ranges remain stable over many years. <\/span>Camera trap surveys in the eastern Sierra Morena Mountains between 1999 and 2008 revealed that six females had <\/span>home ranges of<\/span> 2-2.5 square miles, and four males had home ranges of 4.6-4.7 square miles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iberian<\/p>\n

Iberian lynx<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Iberian Lynx Conservation Challenges<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The number of Iberian lynxes declined steadily during the 20th century, and at the beginning of the 2000s, only two isolated breeding populations remained, both located in southern Spain. These populations totaled about 100 adult animals, with only 25 breeding females.<\/span><\/p>\n

This dramatic decrease was primarily due to habitat destruction, reduction in prey (particularly the European rabbit), and human-induced threats such as poaching, road accidents, and habitat fragmentation and alteration.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Iberian lynx is not <\/span>very<\/span> adaptable because it relies on rabbits for 75% of its food intake. European rabbit numbers have suffered repeated population crashes due to myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iberian<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Conservation Success through Collaborative Efforts<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thanks to reintroduction and captive breeding projects, the Iberian lynx population has significantly increased. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been pivotal for the lynx\u2019s recovery. <\/span>These strategies include <\/span>the establishment of <\/span>wildlife corridors<\/span><\/a> and the preservation of<\/span> the species\u2019 natural habitat, which not only benefit the lynx but also support other species and enhance local ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the cornerstones of this success has been the active restoration of Mediterranean scrub and forest habitats. The European rabbit has also received full protection, which is<\/span> crucial for the survival of the Iberian lynx.<\/span><\/p>\n

To further bolster Iberian lynx resilience against threats like disease and poaching, conservationists implemented translocations and an ex-situ breeding program to enhance genetic diversity. This comprehensive approach has made the Iberian lynx more robust and <\/span>better<\/span> able to withstand environmental pressures.<\/span><\/p>\n

These successes were achieved<\/span> through the dedicated collaboration of government bodies, scientific institutions, NGOs, private companies and local communities. These groups have formed a multifaceted conservation strategy supported by the European Union LIFE project. WWF has played a pivotal role in various initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective effort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iberian<\/p>\n

Key conservation actions have included:<\/span><\/p>\n