The Iberian Lynx, the most
endangered of the world’s 36 cats, stands on the edge of extinction. The
latest studies, based on DNA analysis, make depressing reading. Despite
decades of protection, millions of pesetas and euros spent, hundreds of
studies, and the work of some of Europe’s best conservationists and
zoologists, just over one hundred viable adults remain in the wild (in
comparison, say, with some 8,000 tigers) divided between two unconnected
breeding populations in Andalusia. Whoever and whatever is to blame,
the lynx’s imminent disappearance will be the first extinction of a
world feline, discounting sub-species of tigers and lions, since the
sabre-toothed tiger some 10,000 years ago and will forever leave a dark
mark on Spanish conservationism.
Status and distribution
Tourist leaflets and guidebooks proclaim the presence of the lynx in at least 12 sites in southern Spain. It’s either wishful thinking or hype. Although there are probably isolated lynxes in several other areas of southern Spain, these are to all intents and purposes biologically extinct. The only biologically viable populations are in Doñana with a rapidly declining population of 20-25 adult lynxes, and Andújar-Cardeña in the Sierra Morena (accommodation here) which is perhaps home to the last desperate hope: a stable population of some 80 adult lynxes. Between the two, there are thought to be around 25-30 breeding females. In 2004, Doñana supported just 6-8 females with breeding territories, though this number fluctuates wildly from one year to the next. In the Andújar area in 2002, 21-22 females raised 36-42 cubs; in 2003 just 11-12 females raised 18-21 cubs; and in 2004 17-21 brought up 33-39 cubs. The Doñana population raised just 4-8 cubs in 2004. Added to these two groups is the discovery in March 2005 of a residual and possibly still breeding population of several lynxes in the Montes de Toledo. See here. This recent good news raises the slim possibility in the future of expanding the Andújar-Cardeña area into the Montes de Toledo and creating a viable meta-population along the Sierra Morena, and between Andújar and Montes de Toledo. With 30 odd breeding females left, the expression 'clutching at straws' comes to mind.
Tourist leaflets and guidebooks proclaim the presence of the lynx in at least 12 sites in southern Spain. It’s either wishful thinking or hype. Although there are probably isolated lynxes in several other areas of southern Spain, these are to all intents and purposes biologically extinct. The only biologically viable populations are in Doñana with a rapidly declining population of 20-25 adult lynxes, and Andújar-Cardeña in the Sierra Morena (accommodation here) which is perhaps home to the last desperate hope: a stable population of some 80 adult lynxes. Between the two, there are thought to be around 25-30 breeding females. In 2004, Doñana supported just 6-8 females with breeding territories, though this number fluctuates wildly from one year to the next. In the Andújar area in 2002, 21-22 females raised 36-42 cubs; in 2003 just 11-12 females raised 18-21 cubs; and in 2004 17-21 brought up 33-39 cubs. The Doñana population raised just 4-8 cubs in 2004. Added to these two groups is the discovery in March 2005 of a residual and possibly still breeding population of several lynxes in the Montes de Toledo. See here. This recent good news raises the slim possibility in the future of expanding the Andújar-Cardeña area into the Montes de Toledo and creating a viable meta-population along the Sierra Morena, and between Andújar and Montes de Toledo. With 30 odd breeding females left, the expression 'clutching at straws' comes to mind.
