Twelve Iberian Lynx Cubs Born in Doñana Prepare for Release into the Wild

Iberian lynx cubs 2024

Good news for Iberian lynx conservation efforts. A total of twelve Iberian lynx cubs born, have successfully been raised at the El Acebuche Breeding Centre in Doñana in 2024. This is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to recover the population of this endangered species.

According to the Autonomous Organisation of National Parks (OAPN), the cubs have passed through the critical post-birth phase. This typically lasts between two and four months. They are now preparing for their eventual release into their natural habitat.

Read more

Best Practices Manual for the PirosLife Project: The Restoration of Large Carnivores in Spain

Somiedo Experience

This article is a comprehensive translation from the original Spanish document, “Manuales de buenas prácticas del proyecto PirosLife: La recuperación de grandes carnívoros,” which reflects conservation efforts and data up to 2020.

Unable to find an English-language version, I have translated this excellent resource to ensure it reaches a wider audience. You can see the original Spanish document here.

The Piros life project website that ran from 2014 to 2018 is here.

The document explores the critical role of large carnivores in maintaining ecological balance and the significant initiatives in Spain aimed at conserving and restoring populations of wolves, bears, and lynxes. Through detailed analysis of habitat preservation, conflict mitigation, and successful reintroduction projects, this translation offers valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities in large carnivore conservation.

Read more

Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census

Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census

Some pretty amazing news from Spain and Portugal! A Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Numbers Reach Historic High in 2024 census.

The total census of Iberian lynx now stands at 2,021 individuals. This includes 1,299 adults or subadults and 722 cubs born last year. After surpassing 1,000 specimens in 2020, the Iberian population has doubled in just three years.

Read about the Iberian Lynx here.

2023 census findings

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) census in Spain and Portugal for 2023 showed significant growth. The species has exceeded 2,000 specimens, a new record since detailed population monitoring began.

This is highlighted in the report by the Iberian lynx working group, coordinated by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). The group includes representatives from Spanish autonomous communities and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) of Portugal.

Distribution of lynxes

The report indicates a total of 2,021 lynxes, with 1,730 in Spain (85.6%) and 291 in Portugal. Four Spanish autonomous communities host stable populations. Andalucía has 755 specimens, 43.6% of the Spanish population. Castilla-La Mancha has 715 lynxes (41.3%). Extremadura has 253 specimens, and the Region of Murcia has seven.

Read more

Aiming for the Return of the Iberian Lynx in Aragón

To date, 238 specimens of Iberian lynx have been born in the breeding centres of El Acebuche and Zarza de Granadilla with 150 released in different areas of the Iberian Peninsula.

The General Directorate of Natural Environment, under the Spanish Department of Environment and Tourism, is embarking on an information and citizen participation initiative for the potential reintroduction of the Iberian lynx in Aragon. This pivotal step seeks to achieve consensus among various stakeholders invested in the restoration of this iconic species to the Aragonese fauna.

Read more