Iberian Lynx - Population & Distribution

A slow recovery
Current Population and Distribution
After decades of decline and habitat contraction, in 2015 the IUCN decided to downgrade the Iberian Lynx from “critically endangered” to “endangered”. Since 2002, the population size has steadily increased in the Andalusian subpopulations, although in 2013 and 2014 this recovery has suffered a halt due to the decline in prey populations.
The current recruitment rate of the lynx is low, due to the scarcity of rabbits, which reduces the species reproductive potential. According to IUCN, future range expansion and population increase depend upon continued reintroductions.
The recovery since 2002 has been possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Spanish national and regional administrations, different NGOs (like WWF) and the European Union (via the Life projects). A new ambitious Life Project (Iberlince), in which WWF is taking part, is expanding the lynx range outside Andalusia. Around 50 individuals have been reintroduced since 2014 in the spanish regions of Ciudad Real, Toledo, Badajoz, and the Portuguese Guadiana valley.