Lynx pardinus
Spanish lynx

The majority of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) populations are restricted to the Iberian Peninsula in Spain (about 14,000 square km), with a few small populations in the Algarve mountains and Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve ( about 700 square km) in Portugal. The Spanish populations live in controlled hunting zones called 'cotos'. Lynx living in Portugal are thought to have an effective population size of only about 50 individuals. (IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001)

The highly fragmented habitats of Iberian lynx consist of moutainous areas where rabbit populations are highest. These areas tend to be a mosaic of scrubland, open pasture, trees, and thickets. Occupied habitats may include wetlands and coastlines that fade into the scrub mosiac. Pastures are prefered for nocturnal hunting, while scub areas are used more for rest and protection during daylight hours. Human encroachment and illegal hunting have left Iberian lynx with sometimes little more than few nuclei of safe havens with connecting corridors. (Delibes, Gaona, and Ferreras, 1998; IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001; Palomares, 2001)

Iberian lynx are similar in appearance to Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) but overall smaller. Despite many external similarities, Iberian lynx are a distinct species. Iberian lynx have the characteristically bobbed tail, tufted ears and jaws, spotted coat, muscular body, long legs, and quick reflexes found in other Lynx species. Male Iberian lynxes weigh, on average, 12.8 kg, but can reach 26.8 kg. Females reach a mass of about 9.3 kg. (IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001)

Iberian lynx can live up to 13 years in the wild. (Massicot and July 29, 2001)

Iberian lynx are primarily nocturnal animals. Their activity peaks around twilight as they prepare to hunt through the night. They traverse an overall average of 7 km throughout their waking hours, males average a longer traveling distance than females. These cats are strong tree climbers when there is a need. When prey is caught, Iberian lynx drag or carry the carcass for quite some distance from the kill site. Then it is consumed and the remains buried. Breeding lairs of females include a variety of places such as hollows under thickets, burrows, hollow trees, and old stork nests. After her kittens have reached an age of several weeks, the mother will move the cubs to a larger lair, often under a bush. (IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001)

Home Range

Territorial boundaries of like sexes do not overlap. Male territories overlap with those of several females. (Massicot and July 29, 2001)

Iberian lynx primarily feed on European rabbits (93%). When rabbit numbers are low, as during summers when the poxvirus myxomatosis ravages rabbit populations, Iberian lynx have been recorded preying on red deer fawns, fallow deer, juvenile moufflon, and ducks. The energy needs of Iberian lynx are met by consuming one rabbit a day on average. (IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001; Palomares, 2001)

Iberian lynx are considered top predators. They may be killed by humans intentionally or accidentally.

Iberian lynx act as important top predators in the areas in which they live, controlling populations of rabbits and other small mammals.

Iberian lynx may very occasionally take some domestic animals, such as fowl. However, their rarity makes this an unlikely event.

Due to the extreme rarity of this species, tourism to Donana National Park in Spain will benefit from being a territorial home and refuge to Iberian lynx. Iberian lynx also helps with population control of the European rabbit. Also, the Iberian lynx is the only host to a newly discovered species of Felicola (chewing louse) that has yet to be studied. (Bergman, 1998; Palma and Perez, 2001)

Due to low numbers, habitat fragmentation, and limited habitat, Lynx pardinus is considered one of the world's most endangered cat species. Population fluxes in the lynx's main prey, European rabbits, due to infection with the pox virus myxomatosis, have taken a large toll on the lynx population also. Currently the Spanish government is attempting to set up a permanent and protected area for Iberian lynx. Controlling certain human activities such as poaching, rabbit hunting, brush/scrub clearing, and encroachment will be necessary, as well as the implementation of projects to keep rabbit populations high, and captive breeding programs for the lynx. Studies of these animals, with the help of radio collars, are giving researchers an idea of the total necessary ranges of the lynx. Dofina National Park is already in the process of a conservation project for Iberian lynx and has had some success. Lynx numbers range are estimated at from 84 to 142 individuals in 2 populations in Spain and Portugal. This represents an 80% decline from 1988 surveys that suggested less than 1200 individuals survived in the wild. Experts now agree that Iberian lynx have insufficient numbers to survive over the long term and are on the brink of extinction. (Delibes, Gaona, and Ferreras, 1998; IUCN - The World Conservation Union, 1996; Massicot and July 29, 2001; Travaini et al., 1997)