The Iberian lynx population sets a new record with more than 1,365 specimens registered

The Iberian population of lynx pardinus set a new record, with a total of 1,365 specimens currently registered, between adults, sub-adults and young born in 2021. This is the balance shown by the annual report from the lynx task forcecoordinated by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

Is about best data recorded Iberian populations of the species and represents a almost 23% increase compared to the census of the previous year (2020), when 1,111 individuals were counted. Despite having overcome the most critical situation, the species is still officially considered ‘endangered’according to the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species.

The study shows that the Iberian lynx population follows the upward trend positive in recent years, with the highest number of registered specimens since there are monitoring programs for the species. two decades ago the number of copies counted was less than 100.

Distribution by autonomous communities

Of the 13 population centers registered in the Iberian Peninsula in 2021, 12 are located in Spain, with 1,156 copies. Of these 12 Spanish nuclei, 5 are located in Andalusia (with 519 individuals), 3 in Castilla-La Mancha (473 individuals) and 4 in Extremadura (164 individuals).

In this way, Andalusia is once again the Spanish autonomous community that leads the population data, with almost half of the copies distributed throughout the country. However, the biggest population increase is registered in Castilla-La Mancha, a community in which the population increase about 45% in a single year.

Continuing conservation programs

All the population parameters considered (total number of lynx, number of breeding females and number of offspring born) positive net trend since the start of the coordinated action programs in 2002.

In 2021 were counted 500 births of 277 breeding females. This general evolution shows the favorable trajectory of the species, which distances the Iberian big cat critical risk of disappearance.

However, census data also point to the need to remain cautious about the future of the species, continue conservation programs and favor the implementation of measures that contribute to the improvement of Iberian lynx populations in both countries. The species remains threatened with extinction.

In total there are four creation centers, three in Spain (in Cáceres, Huelva and Jaén) and one in Portugal (in Silves). MITECO, through the Autonomous Organism of National Parks, actively contributes to this conservation program ex situ, maintaining and managing two of the centers: Zarza de Granadilla (Cáceres) and El Acebuche (Huelva). The other two are managed by the Junta de Andalusia (La Olivilla, Jaén) and Portugal (National Iberian Lynx Reproduction Center or Silves Center).