Iberian lynx, Coto Doñana National Park, Spain © WWF Canon/Fritz VOLLMAR
Of all the big cats, the Iberian lynx is closest to extinction.
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Iberian lynx facts and key issues
Facts
  • Of all the big cats, the Iberian lynx is closest to extinction.

  • Historically found in Spain and Portugal, it is now found in only two breeding populations in Spain.

  • The Iberian lynx is considered by IUCN to be 'critically endangered' - the only big cat species to be so listed. It is the world's most endangered cat species.

  • In 1988, the estimated population was 1,100, but the most recent survey (2002-04) reveals a dramatic drop in numbers: it estimates that there are only 100 left in the wild.

  • Europe is home to two species of lynx - the Iberian and the Eurasian. Iberian lynxes are about half the length of their Eurasian counterparts and are dark yellow or brown in colour and heavily spotted. They have long legs, very short tails and distinctive black ear tufts.


Key issues

Prey availability
Up to 90 per cent of the Iberian lynx's diet is rabbit. Over the past few decades, however, myxomatosis and a haemorrhagic disease have radically affected populations which, in turn, has severely affected the Iberian lynx population.

Mortality caused by humans
Deliberate or accidental killing continues to be a significant threat to the Iberian lynx. Hunting and accidental killing through traps and snares have taken their toll, but the biggest direct killer is now the road vehicle.

Loss or alteration of habitat
The Iberian lynx lives in scrub and Mediterranean forest habitats. These have been affected by road and dam development and changes in agricultural practices, all of which have led to habitats becoming smaller and more isolated - hence the more isolated and vulnerable Iberian lynx populations.

Isolation and fragmentation of its populations
There are now only two breeding populations in the wild. Isolation makes them very vulnerable in terms of genetic viability, disease and catastrophic events such as road mortality.

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Iberian lynx, Spain © WWF Canon / WWF Spain/Jesus COBO

The map below shows the existing Iberian lynx areas (black) and areas where it might still exist (red question marks).

Iberian lynx map ©WWF UK
 
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