The Iberian Lynx is one of the worlds most beautiful animals. These gorgeous cats however, are only found in a few regions within Spain now.
Sadly, these cats are very close to extinction: there are only a very small population of Iberian Lynxes left in the wild today. However, the Iberian Lynx population has increased since the turn of the century. By 2002, less than 100 Iberian Lynxes remained in the wild. Today, their population has increased since 2002 - estimates show that their population has at least doubled since 2002, while other estimates say that their population could have increased by as much as four times since 2002.
The Iberian Lynx wasn't always this rare though. These beautiful cats once were found in Spain, Portugal and France. However, by 1914, Iberian Lynxes were restricted to being found in only Spain and France. By 1989, the population of the Iberian Lynx was very low in Portugal - it's estimated that only between 40 and 50 cats existed in Portugal by this time.
What Is The Current Population Of The Iberian Lynx?
It is estimated that the current population of the Iberian Lynx is at least 156 individual Iberian Lynxes in the wild. Other estimations of the Iberian Lynx population has their numbers at 404 Iberian Lynxes in the wild.
What Is The Conservation Status Of These Cats?
Although their population is low today, the population of the Iberian Lynx is also said to be increasing in the wild today, which is good news for these cats!
What Are The Main Threats To Iberian Lynxes?
There are several main threats that the Iberian Lynx faces, which poses a risk to their survival for the future.
Historically, these beautiful cats were hunted and persecuted in the past, which is one of the reasons why these cats almost became extinct by 2002. Another main reason why Iberian Lynxes almost became extinct back in 2002 was because their food - Rabbits - became depleted in the wild; the decline in the Rabbit population in the wild was another reason that they almost became extinct. Today, Iberian Lynxes face many different threats.
These are the different threats they face today:
. Habitat loss
. Decline in the Rabbit population
. Tourism and development
. Railways and roads
. Climate change/weather
. Car collisions
. Illegal hunting
Some of the threats that these cats face today are threats that they have faced for a long time - such as habitat loss and Rabbit population declines. However, there are other threats that these animals face which are more modern threats to their existence, namely: the threat of climate change.
Iberian Lynxes And Breeding
Iberian Lynxes mate between December and February every year. Iberian Lynx females are pregnant for around 60 days and will usually give birth about March or April. After that, these cute animals give birth to around 2 or 3 kittens with each litter. Female Iberian Lynxes usually start getting pregnant in the wild when they are about two years old.
Iberian Lynx kittens will remain with their mother until they are independent. It takes around 10 months for Iberian Lynx kittens to become independent.
The Iberian Lynx Diet
Iberian Lynxes mostly eat Rabbits in the wild, which is why a decline in the population of Rabbits in the wild has been so devastating for them.
These animals are also known to eat other small animals - like Ducks.
The Nature Of Iberian Lynxes
Iberian Lynxes are solitary animals - they like to live and hunt alone. This is common for most Cat species. The only real exception is Lions, who are known to be very sociable animals and live in groups.
Iberian Lynxes are also nocturnal animals.
How Can You Help Iberian Lynxes?
There are several ways that you can help Iberian Lynxes. You can help Iberian Lynxes by raising awareness about them on social media.
You can also help Iberian Lynxes by adopting one.
You can adopt an Lynx with World Animal Foundation - here.
Or, you can adopt a Lynx with the WWF - here.