The population of the Iberian lynx in the Iberian Peninsula has exceeded 2,000 individuals
The population of the Iberian lynx on the Iberian Peninsula in 2023 exceeded 2,000 individuals, which is the maximum number since the beginning of detailed monitoring about twenty years ago. This significant achievement distances the species from the risk of extinction.
Current lynx numbers and distribution
According to the Ministry of Environmental Transition and Demographic Challenge of Spain (MITECO), 2,021 lynx individuals are currently registered in Spain (1,730 individuals, which is 85.6% of the total population) and Portugal (291 individuals). 755 individuals have been recorded in Andalusia, which is 43.6% of the Spanish population, and 715 individuals (41.3%) in Castilla-La Mancha. There are 253 specimens in Extremadura and seven in the Murcia region.
Success in population recovery
Over the past 20 years, the number of lynxes has increased from less than 100 individuals to more than 2,000 in 2023. This impressive growth is the result of deliberate conservation efforts. The restoration of the Iberian lynx population in Spain and Portugal has become one of the best examples of successful conservation actions for endangered species in the world. This was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of State administrations, land owners and society as a whole.
The Iberian lynx lives in burrows and hunts rabbits in olive groves and other natural habitats. The successful reproduction and survival of this species depends on the availability of suitable conditions and sufficient food. The increase in the population was made possible by the creation of protected areas, the reintroduction of rabbits and a decrease in mortality among lynxes.
The importance of biodiversity conservation
The restoration of the Iberian lynx population highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and taking measures to protect endangered species. This success also demonstrates that with the right strategy and support from society and government organizations, significant results can be achieved in the field of nature conservation.
The increase in the number of Iberian lynx to more than 2,000 individuals is a significant achievement in the field of nature conservation. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, this species has moved away from the risk of extinction and continues to recover. This success inspires further action to protect other endangered species and support biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula and other regions of the world.