The Iberian lynx is born in Algarve Portugal after 15 years. They were about to extinct but they are back. This recovery is the result of hard work by conservationists. The National Iberian Lynx Reproduction Centre which is located in Silves Algarve has played a big role. Since it opened in 2009, the center has bred 170 Lynxes. And 110 have been released into the wild out of these with 17 finding new homes in Portugal.
Read More About: Defence Minister Calls For Peace After Days Of Lisbon Unrest For Odair Moniz Justice
Iberian lynx born In The Algarve
These are the efforts of both the center and individuals from Spain that have led to real progress. Today Portugal’s Iberian lynx population stands close to 300. This number is a huge step up from 2009 when Lynxes were almost nonexistent in the country.
The majority of Portugal’s Lynx population lives in Vale do Guadiana. This area spans the Alentejo region and parts of the Algarve which offers the Lynxes a perfect mix of food and shelter.
The lynx population is doing well too across the Iberian Peninsula. Over 2,000 lynxes now roam Spain and Portugal according to the latest 2023 census. This is double the number from 2020. These lynx have made big populations in other areas like Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Murcia in Spain.
Saving the Iberian lynx was no small task. A mix of hunting, habitat loss, and a decline in rabbits which is their main food source had driven them to near extinction. Portugal and Spain decided to take action. They focused on breeding lynxes in captivity and carefully returning them to the wild.
Silver Center And Conservationist’s Contribution
The Silves Center has been central to this work. It released its first captive bred pair in 2014. Their names were Jacarandá and Katmandu and released in Vale do Guadiana. This marked the start of a stable breeding group in the wild.
By 2019, lynxes from this area had even crossed the Vascão stream into Alcoutim and found a new supply of rabbits and partridges. This allowed them to form a thriving new breeding group which has added strength to the overall population.
These numbers are encouraging but the journey has been challenging. The manager of the Silves Center Rodrigo Serra explains that while they have reached significant goals they need more work.
He said:
It’s a very long road. These are already very expressive numbers, very large, but we here are aware that we are necessary. The Iberian strategy that is up for approval involves creating eight new populations of Iberian lynx based mainly on lynxes born in captivity, which implies continuing to reproduce at the same level until at least 2034 to bring the species to ‘non-concern’ status
He describes the process as a long road with many highs and lows. A major challenge is the lack of genetic diversity among Iberian lynxes. Most lynxes are closely related which makes it hard to keep the population healthy.
Conservationists are carefully managing breeding to address this issue. Genetic testing helps the center pair lynxes with different genes. In the wild, lynxes are also moved between areas to improve genetic variety. This process is known as translocation.
It is crucial for creating a resilient population that can face disease and environmental changes. This is a big milestone for the conservation teams. But they know that many goals remain.
The Iberian Lynx Conservation Strategy which will soon be approved aims to create eight new lynx populations in the next decade. By 2034, the goal is to see the lynx listed as the least concern species.
The Role Of Local Communities
Community support has been vital to the conservation effort. In places like Vale do Guadiana, locals help to protect lynx habitats. Their support has allowed conservationists to expand lynx territories and increase population numbers.
Nature tourism has also begun to take root. Carefully regulated tours now offer people a chance to see these rare animals in their natural habitat. This has helped raise awareness and support for lynx protection.
Educational programs are teaching people about the importance of the lynx in local ecosystems. Many residents now feel proud to protect these animals. They are helping ensure the lynx’s long term survival by creating a safe and respectful environment.
Conservationists believe that they must create natural migration paths to secure the lynx’s future. Programs like the EU-funded LIFE LynxConnect project support this effort. They aim to strengthen genetic diversity and avoid isolation by connecting Lynx populations. Such connections will allow lynxes to adapt better to changing environments and increase their chances of survival.
