Endangered Species - Iberic Lynx

Iberien Lynx also known as tiger-cat is the most severely endangered cat species and there aren’t more than 140 in the wild. Yesterday, I came across in the net with a program, developed in Spain, where strong conservation measures are being held in order to increase the Iberien Lynx population avoiding extinction.

One of such efforts involved captive breeding, genetic and demographic management of the lynx population and although it may not be considered the best solution, soon we understand that this is the only way to avoid an immediate and complete extinction of the species. The program has presented increasing results since it begun in 2002. From the 2 first offsprings born in 2002, last year the number reached a stimulating number of 25 offsprings, almost 1/5 of the wild population alive.

Several international institutions collaborate with the programme, which is currently implemented through a “multirateral comission” that includes the central goverments of Spain and Portugal, together with other autonomous spanish goverments of Andalusia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. Portugal, where rarely is seen a wild lynx, also developed its own breeding center in Silves acting at the same time on improving habitat for future reestablishment of lynx population.

The lynx territories have decreased to such an alarming point that they are now confined to scattered small aggregates (see distribution map). Man’s invation of wild habitats may be the main reason but surely it’s not the only one. Reduction of food sources is also a main concern and is certainly on the basis of the territorial fragmentation. As a top predator the Iberian lynx has a key role in controlling populations of rabbits (their favorite prey) and other small mammals but when these are lacking it is known that deer, mice, ducks, quail, lizards, etc. also make part of their food chain. Selecting habitats with Mediterranean characteristics, the rare Iberian lynx can be spoted on woods, dense thickets and bushes. Preferably used in mosaic structures with enclosed biotopes abrigo. In Portugal some where seen on the North East of Portugal, at the Serra da Malcata, located between the counties of Sabugal and Penamacor, integrating the mountainous system of Luso-Spanish Meseta.

It is essentially a night animal, an expert climber and by day it can move at about 7 km.The territories of males may overlap territories to one or more females.
Mating, uncommon, occurring between January and March and after a gestation period of between 63 and 74 days between 1 and 4 are born offspring.

© Pete Oxford