Iberian lynx  (Lynx pardinus)

The Iberian lynx is the world's most threatened species of cat (4), and may become the first wild cat species to go extinct for over 2,000 years (1). Although smaller in size, it resembles the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), possessing the same characteristically bobbed tail, tufts on the ears and jaw, a spotted coat, muscular body and long legs (5).

Historically widespread throughout the Iberian peninsular and the south of France (4). Today, small and severely fragmented populations are found only in diminishing areas of suitable habitat in central and south-western parts of Spain, and in the Algarve mountains of Portugal (5).

Found in Mediterranean woodland and marquis habitat (a scrub-like habitat of open forests and thickets), where there is a mixture of dense scrub and open pasture (6).

Iberian lynx are generally nocturnal creatures, with peak activity occurring at twilight when individuals leave shelter in order to forage (5). Both sexes are solitary and territorial, with male territories overlapping those of several females (5). Females reach sexual maturity at one year of age but will only breed once they are in possession of their own territory (6). The mating season peaks at the beginning of the year in January and February and births occur two months later (5). The female cares for her litter of one to four kittens (5) within a lair that may be located under a thicket or in a hollow tree. Weaning occurs at around eight months but juveniles tend to stay in their natal territory until they are around 20 months old (6). European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) make up the mainstay of the diet of the Iberian lynx, unlike the larger Eurasian lynx that feeds mainly on ungulates such as roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) (4). Small deer may be eaten on occasion, if rabbit numbers are low (6).

Numbers of Iberian lynx have been decimated by habitat loss; scrublands have been converted to agriculture and plantations of pines and eucalypts, and human development such as dams, highways and railways have all encroached on native habitat (2). Conversion of habitat has reduced populations of the lynx's main food source, the rabbit, and rabbit numbers also declined drastically after the introduction of the myxamatosis virus in the 1950s (5) (6). Whilst myxamatosis is not such a threat today, a new disease that arrived in Spain in 1988, (known as viral haemorrhagic pneumonia), is once again threatening rabbit numbers (6). Despite protection measures and heavy fines, illegal hunting continues and the accidental killing of lynx in rabbit traps or with poisoned fox bait is one of the major causes of mortality at present (6).

The Critically Endangered Iberian lynx receives full legal protection in both Spain and Portugal (1). It already occurs in some protected areas, such as Doñana National Park (5), and the Spanish government has proposed the protection of 72 sites to conserve the habitat of the lynx (7). A management plan for the Iberian lynx has been implemented within Doñana National Park, which includes increasing rabbit numbers within the park through habitat improvements, and the removal of ungulates, thus reducing competition with rabbits for food (5). A captive breeding programme is underway, although this has so far produced no young (1). Despite these efforts, numbers of Iberian lynx are still believed to be declining (1), and time may be running out to save the world's most endangered felid.

For more information on the Iberian Lynx see:

• IUCN Cat Specialist Group:
  www.catsg.org

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk