The population of the Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal increased by 19% in 2024, according to figures released this week by the ministry for the ecological transition (Miteco).
They reported that the number went up to 2,401, which is 380 more than the figure registered in 2023.
The improvement shows that the recovery of this iconic animal is continuing apace. It had been facing extinction at the turn of the millennium, when there were less than 50 of the native cats left in Spain.
Since then the EU-funded breeding in captivity programme and protection measures have led to a remarkable reversal of its fortunes.
After a slow but steady increase over the second decade of this century, numbers passed 1,000 in 2020 and then doubled by 2023, reaching 2,021.
On Thursday, Miteco revealed the population breakdown for 2024, which was 1,557 adults and young adults, along with 844 cubs born during that year.
They noted that the number of females producing cubs reached 470, up from 406 in 2023.
According to Miteco, there needs to be 750 females producing cubs before the Iberian lynx can be considered to be in a ‘favourable state of conservation’.
Miteco also highlighted the breeding in captivity programme which has seen 403 Iberian lynxes released into the wild since 2011.
Where are they?
The mainstay of the population is in Spain with 2,047 individuals, and 354 in Portugal.
Castilla-La Mancha region has the largest number with 942; and Andalucía is home to 836.
The vast Sierra Morena, which straddles both regions, holds most lynxes, with 1,082 living in this mountainous zone.
Extremadura counted 254 and the population in Murcia has reached 15.
What are the challenges?
Miteco says the recovery of the Iberian lynx is ‘becoming one of the best examples of a successful programme to save a threatened species’.
The ‘good results’ are thanks to the coordinated efforts of public administrations, local organisations and landowners.
The funding provided by the EU and Spanish and Portuguese governments through the LIFE project has also been key.
However, there is still a long way to go before the risk of extinction for the Iberian lynx is eliminated, says Miteco.
They highlighted that non natural deaths in 2024 reached 214, with 162 lynxes killed on the roads after being hit by vehicles.
Miteco reported that this shows the importance of the plan which was approved last year to improve ‘connectivity’ between the different populations of lynx and installing ‘green infrastructure’.
Photos: Miteco
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