Andalucia Articles

Captive Breeding Success for the Endangered Iberian Lynx

The Iberian Lynx, which can now only be found in Andalucia is the worlds most endangered species of wild cat. 120 are left in the wild which are in two main populations, one the National Park of Doņana and the other in the mountains of Andujar, in Jaen. The group in Andujar contains approx 80 adults that last year produced between 33 & 39 young. The population in Doņana is now considered too small to be self sustainable.

Experts are worried that the Iberian Lynx may become the first large cat to become extinct since prehistoric times. The main threats to the species include forest fires, road kill, lack of rabbit prey and development. 14 Lynx have been killed by cars on the roads around Doņana in just 5 years.

Until recently captive breeding has always been an option to help sustain the populations, although it has never actually been achieved. However, a young female in the Doņana Captive Breeding Program, who was thought to be sexually immature, surprised everybody and gave birth to 3 healthy cubs on the 30th March 2006, the first ever captive born, Iberian Lynx in the world.

There was hope that other cubs would be born soon but it has now been confirmed that there are no more expected births this season. Seven lynx are part of the program which is based in the El Acebuche Centre and this real breakthrough has given new hope to this local species in crisis.

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