We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They also hav… The global conservation status of the Iberian Lynx is currently Endangered (EN), although previously it was one of the most endangered cats at a status of Critically Endangered (CR). Felis pardina was the scientific name proposed by Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1827 who described skins of Iberian lynxes that were killed in the area of the Tagus river in Portugal and were traded in Paris and London. Facts about Lynx 9: Iberian lynx. Built in Snowshoes– Species native to harsh winters, such as Canadian and … [1], The Iberian lynx genetically diverged as an unique species 1.98 to 0.7 million years ago. In the 20th century, the Iberian lynx population had declined because of overhunting and poaching, fragmentation of suitable habitats; the population of its main prey species, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), experienced a severe decline caused by The name Lynx comes from the Greek word “to shine,” and may be in reference to the reflective ability of the cat’s eyes. The kittens become independent at 7 to 10 months old, but remain with the mother until around 20 months old. [2] Habitat loss is due mainly to infrastructure improvement, urban and resort development and tree mono cultivation, which fragments the lynx's distribution. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Supplemental food sources could be provided if wild rabbits suffered a decline. Accept it or not, they are on the borderline of being one of the few felines to vanish in around 10 000 years. Its natural habitat is open forest and sand dunes in isolated areas of Spain and Portugal. [70] In February 2019, the total population was estimated to grow to around 650 individuals. It is unknown why these episodes of aggression occur, though many scientists believe it is related to a change in hormones when a kitten switches from its mother's milk to meat. In lynx: Iberian lynx. [43] Since 2010, the species has also been released in Guarrizas. Iberian lynx males weigh, approximately, 13kg and females 10kg. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Camera trapping surveys in the eastern Sierra Morena Mountains between 1999 and 2008 revealed that six females had home ranges of 5.2–6.6 km2 (2.0–2.5 sq mi). Main Characteristics. The Spanish National Commission for the Protection of Nature endorsed the Iberian Lynx Ex Situ Conservation Breeding Program to serve as a "safety net" by managing the captive population and also to "help establish new Iberian lynx free-ranging populations through reintroduction programmes." They like dense forests and also places where there are lots of vegetation cover such as grass, reeds and shrubs. Lynx pardinus. In the wild, Iberian Lynx have lived up to 13 years. [65] As of 2020, there are around 140 individuals in the wild in Portugal spread through an area of approximately 50,000 hectares, 50 of them are cubs. Read more. [51][52][53] On 16 December 2014, a pair of Iberian lynx was released into Guadiana Valley Natural Park near Mértola, Portugal. [55] The last pair of captive-bred Iberian lynxes were released into Guadiana Valley Nature Reserve on 12 May 2015. [62], In Portugal the Centro Nacional de Reprodução do Lince-Ibérico (CNRLI) established a breeding center in Silves[63][64] and has since nurtured 122 individuals all born in the breeding center, of which 89 survived. They are well-adapted to living in a number of different habitats, and have many specific traits to aid in their survival. Species: pardina Experts are evenly divided on this subject, but for now, it remains a separate species based on its marked adaptive differences for prey capture. Class: Mammalia Genus: Felinae (Lynx) Order: Carnivora [20][21][22] The conservation status of this lynx is endangered. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. They include the Canadian Lynx, Eurasian Lynx, Iberian Lynx, and the Bobcat. [39] About 90 million euros was spent on various conservation measures between 1994 and 2013. Like all Lynx it features a short tail and tuft ears. [10] Before 1973, it was present in Sierra de Gata, Montes de Toledo, eastern Sierra Morena, Sierra de Relumbrar and coastal plains in the Doñana area. [11], The Iberian lynx has a short bright yellowish to tawny coloured spotted fur. Scientific Name. 2. Latin name. http://bigcatrescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IberianLynx-2015.mp3, http://www.foodshedplanet.com/2013/06/lynx-across-generations-and-across.html, Jaguar Facts – Interesting Information About Jaguars. They were collected from Saliega and another female—both sterilized and retired from the breeding program—by Berlin's Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and stored in liquid nitrogen at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales in Madrid for possible future breeding. They are ranked from Category 1 (critical) to Category 5 (common-low conservation priority). One of the strategies aimed at saving the species is to change the use of land in such a way that it becomes more attractive to rabbits, which can then be hunted by the lynx. [54] Iberian lynxes can be observed in captivity at the Jerez Zoo, [74] at the Lisbon Zoo since December 2014,[75] and since July 2016 at the Madrid Zoo. Its diet primarily consists of rabbits and hare, but will hunt deer, ducks, and fish. These partners continue to work at ensuring the Iberian Lynx … The fur is typically grayish, with tints varying from yellowish to rusty and is distinctly spotted. Iberian lynx facts. Every year, several Iberian lynxes die when trying to cross highways with heavy traffic. By the time they started building a resistance to this disease and the numbers started to recover, a new disease –viral hemorrhagic pneumonia – took its place and killed a large number of adult rabbits. [76] : The debate continues whether or not the Iberian Lynx is in fact a separate species from the Canadian and Siberian Lynxes, or merely a subspecies. In fact, one species of lynx is called a bobcat! FUN FACTS. Felid TAG recommendation: Spanish lynx (Lynx pardinus). [58], Since a 2007 outbreak of feline leukemia virus (FeLV), wild lynxes are tested periodically for possible disease. [60] She became the first Iberian lynx to breed in captivity, giving birth to three healthy kittens on 29 March 2005 at the El Acebuche Breeding Center, in the Doñana Nature Park in Huelva, Spain. Here are all the important facts you need to know about this rare creature. Iberian Lynx Conservation. Survival of the young depends heavily on the availability of prey species. Endangered. September–December 2013 samples were negative for FeLV but one male became the first of his species to test positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and was placed into quarantine. Misc. latest news on the Iberian Lynx. 3.6 BCR | March 15, 2015 Thick Fur on Paws: Stealth is key when hunting rabbits who are easily frightened, so thick fur on paws enable it to tread on snow lightly. [62] In 2009, the Spanish government planned to build a €5.5 million breeding center in Zarza de Granadilla. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Common Name: Iberian Lynx, Spanish Lynx [8] [17], Fossil remains indicate that the Iberian lynx had a wider range during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. 73 of them were reintroduced in the wild. Siberian lynx commonly hunt prey three to four times their size. Known as the most endangered feline in the world, the Iberian Lynx is one worth taking a close look at. 930 Views There are noted differences from its relatives, the Eurasian Lynx: it is much smaller and its coat is more heavily marked with darker spots. We introduce a special launch offer, until March 31: the next full day photo session will be free, in case the lynx … Believed to be the same as the Eurasian Lynx, which would indicate a solitary animal except for mothers and kittens. Social System and Communication: Unknown. These striking cats are skilled predators. One specimen found in Cabias cave in southern France was radiocarbon dated to 3780±90 before present. Information reprinted With Permission from the IUCN Wild Cats Book. The maximum longevity in the wild is 13 years.[26][27]. The tail of the Lynx looks as though it was dipped in an inkwell being black all the way around, whereas the Bobcat’s tail appears to have been painted black on top and white on the bottom. [39][44] Discussions were held with the Ministry of Environment on plans for releases in the Campanarios de Azaba area near Salamanca. They have a flared facial ruff, long prominent black ear tufts, and long hind legs with a short black tipped tail. Its head is small with tufted ears and a ruff. Although the Spanish are making plans to initiate a captive-breeding program, it is not likely that this species will ever become available for export to North America. Rocky ledges and crevices are also preferred as spots for making dens. Protect the Iberian Lynx, the most endangered big cat in the world. These cats have yellowish-brown fur that's covered with many dark brown or black spots. [13], The Iberian lynx was once present throughout the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Old stories . The Iberian lynx has a tawny coat with dark spots, long legs, a short tail, and tufts of hair at the end of its ears that is characteristic of lynx species. Females are smaller with a head-to-body-length of approximately 68.2–77.5 cm (26.9–30.5 in) and a weight of 9.2–10 kg (20–22 lb). [37], Management efforts are being developed to conserve and restore the animal's native range. Full day photo sessions of Iberian lynx will be priced at €180 for adults and €60 for children up to 14 years. They have black tufts, which are bits of fur that stick up, at the tips of their ears. It is a monotypic species and is thought to have evolved from Lynx issiodorensis. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. [50] In 2014, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests signed contracts securing 2,000 hectares of land for Portugal's reintroduction project. This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats. At least eight Iberian lynx cubs born this year in Doñana Samples collected in Doñana exhibited a high degree of inbreeding as this unit was isolated for a long time. Although humans have been the main reason the Iberian Lynx has become critically endangered. It has a distinctive ‘beard’ around its face and weighs roughly half the size of the largest lynx species: the Eurasian lynx. [28] Inbreeding leads to lower semen quality and greater rates of infertility in males, hindering efforts to increase the species' fitness. The Iberian Lynx is listed as Category 1, with less than 100 animals remaining in the wild. Population. [32], In 2007, several individuals died of feline leukemia. 1. [9], The Iberian lynx is thought to have evolved from Lynx issiodorensis. Iberian Lynx videos - 30 minute natural history of the lynx + 4 minutes on lynx and cork forests. Here are five interesting facts about them: These beautiful cats grow up to 1 metre long. Facts about Lynx 10: bobcat. [61] Over the following years, the number of births grew and additional breeding centers were opened. In March 2009, it was reported that 27 kittens had been born since the beginning of the program. Status: CITES: Appendix I. IUCN: Endangered. Iberian Lynx Facts The Iberian Lynx constitutes a truly beautiful species of wildcat currently only found in a small section of western Europe. They mostly catch small preys; rabbits and hares are their favourite food, consisting of 70 to 80 % of … It is now largely restricted to mountainous areas. [15][16] It is now restricted to very limited areas in southern Spain, with breeding only confirmed in Sierra Morena and Doñana coastal plains. What are the Scientific Names for Common Wild Cat Species. 404. [3] In 2013, 14 Iberian lynxes died on roads, and 21 in 2014. The Iberian lynx has been declared to be the most endangered lynx cat out of the four species of the lynx cats, with several statistical evidence showing that their population is less than 300 in areas of Spain. Also, it often kills other smaller carnivores such as red fox, Egyptian mongoose and common genet (Genetta genetta).[25]. The energy requirements for this Lynx have been found to be 1 rabbit per day. Earlier, Iberian lynxes were classified under Eurasian lynx but now have been considered a separate species with a cat like face, and have a distinct skin marking than their European cousins. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The largest animals stand as tall as 60–71 cm (24–28 … The weight of a full-grown adult ranges from 18 to 36 kg (about 40 to 80 pounds), and its length ranges from 70 to 130 cm (about 28 to 51 inches). Reproduction and Offspring: After a gestation of approximately 60 days, females produce a litter of 2-3 kittens. [3] As of 2014, its range included the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), the Matachel Valley in Extremadura (Spain), and the Guadiana Valley in Portugal. One of those females was Saliega, captured as a kitten in April 2002. [33][34], In 2013, it was reported that the Iberian lynx possesses antibiotic resistant bacteria within its digestive tract, which may lead to more dangerous and difficult-to-treat infections, and decrease its fitness. They are often confused with their smaller feline cousins the Bobcat, but can be easily distinguished by their tail tips. This may occur as early as her first winter, or as late as 5 years, or possibly never at all. Interesting And Fun Facts About Iberian Lynx. Endangered. [38] Officials intending to release captive-bred lynx look for areas of appropriate habitat, rabbit abundance, and acceptance by the local human population. The prey also suffered a major blow when an introduced disease – poxvirus myxomatosis – to which the European Hare had no natural immunity and was nearly decimated. The Desert Lynx isn’t categorized in the Lynx genus which can be confusing to many people. remain in their natal territory until around 20 months old. [66], There were 14 surviving kittens in 2008 and 15 in 2009. It is listed on CITES Appendix I, on Appendix II of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats and on Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive of the European Union. These animals are primarily nocturnal, except during the winter months when they have diurnal activity peaks. It can reach up to 54 pounds, head and body up to three feet, seven inches, tail up to five inches. Reintroduction takes place in Mértola and Serpa in the Guadiana Valley. Lynx - Lynx - Eurasian lynx: The Eurasian lynx (L. lynx) is the largest member of the genus and Europe’s third largest predator. Population. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In 2010, intense rain and health issues resulted in lower reproductive success—14 born, 8 surviving[67]—but the next year, breeding centers recorded 45 births with 26 surviving kittens. The word Lynx means to shine and the name comes from the fact that these animals have eyes that shine. Iberian lynx hunt rabbits. The home ranges of adults are stable over many years. The Iberian lynx declined steadily throughout the 20th century, and at the beginning of the 2000s, only two isolated breeding populations remained in the world, located in southern Spain. Size Males 11 – 15 kg Females 8 – 12 kg Reproduction Mating: Peak in January Birth: March - April, but can occur year round Litter size: 2-4, normally 2-3 Diet Strictly carnivorous Rabbits dominate, but can also eat other medium and small mammals and birds. [2] In the 20th century, the Iberian lynx population had declined because of overhunting and poaching, fragmentation of suitable habitats; the population of its main prey species, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), experienced a severe decline caused by myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Size and Appearance: The Iberian Lynx is similar in its appearance to the Eurasian Lynx, but about half its size. One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below. The Iberian lynx, also called the Pardel lynx or Spanish lynx, has long legs and a very short tail with a black tip. Read More It is a monotypic species. ", "For the first time Iberian lynx embryos are collected and preserved", "Esperma 'de laboratorio' para salvar al lince ibérico", "The Iberian Lynx at the Zoobotanico de Jerez (in Spanish)", "Os felinos mais ameacados do mundo ja moram em Lisboa", "Llega a Zoo Aquarium de Madrid una pareja de linces ibéricos del proyecto Iberlince", "Nova Visita ao Zoo de Lisboa – O Lince Ibérico", Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe – Iberian lynx, Species portrait Iberian lynx; IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iberian_lynx&oldid=991964379, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2020, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Articles with Portuguese-language sources (pt), Беларуская (тарашкевіца)‎, Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 2 December 2020, at 19:24. The Iberian Lynx and the Eurasian Lynx are very similar in appearance except the Iberian Lynx is about half the size. These cookies do not store any personal information. There are four different species of cats in the “lynx” genus, Canadian lynx, bobcat, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian lynx. [41][42], Beginning in 2009, the Iberian lynx was reintroduced into Guadalmellato, resulting in a population of 23 in 2013. The Iberian lynx (L. pardinus), which is also known as the Spanish lynx or the Pardel lynx, bears a strong resemblance to the Eurasian lynx but may be distinguished by its smaller size; short, dark-tipped tail; and the presence of long, white, beardlike…. [72] In July 2014, the MNCN-CSIC announced they had produced sperm cells from the testicular tissue of sexually immature lynx.[73]. [19], The Iberian lynx preys foremost on the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for the bulk of its diet, supplemented by red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), rodents and to a smaller degree also on wild ungulates. Iberian lynx is an interesting feline species, bearing pallid markings and distinct leopard-like spots. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Binomial name: Lynx pardinus Current conservation status: Endangered. The Catskill Mountains in New York were possibly named after the bobcat, a resident of the … Quick Facts about the Lynx Cat. This cat also suffers at the hands of man, frequently being killed by traps and snares set for rabbits, and by being hit by cars as the number of roads increase. It may be induced to disperse to areas with a more suitable climate but fewer rabbits, a circumstance that may contribute to higher mortality. Today I want to write about a very special species of cat, the Iberian lynx. It is now found mainly in a small enclave in Spain and few scattered populations in remote areas of Portugal. The Jerez animals integrate the breeding program, the two Lisbon lynxes were formerly in the Portuguese breeding center but are no longer suited for the program (the female had multiple failed pregnancies and the male has a form of epilepsy),[77] and the two Madrid lynxes were equally retired from the breeding program for not being suited for reproduction. The markings on the tan or grayish fur are very distinct. Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrata) Despite being far from where it should be, the Iberian lynx’s conservation status has actually … [49], The presence of Iberian lynxes in Portugal, particularly in the south, has been verified. The spots vary in shape and size from small round to elongate. During the mating season the female leaves her territory in search of a male. Success for Iberian Lynx conservation in the Sierra Morena. Conservation measures were implemented since 2002 which included improving habitat, restocking of rabbits, translocating, re-introducing and monitoring Iberian lynxes. 2 Likes So I decided to research the Iberian Lynx and it turned out very well. [47] A study published in July 2013 in Nature Climate Change advised that reintroduction programs take place in northern Iberia, suggesting that climate change would threaten rabbits in the south. Habitat . Bobcat is prevalent in southern Canada. [68] In 2012, breeding centers in Portugal and Spain reported a total of 44 survivors from 59 births,[68] while 2013 saw a total of 44 survivors out of 53 born. Iberian lynx are polygynous, with one male mating with multiple females, but in northern Donana National Park, where the amount of suitable territories is small and intersexual competition is increasing, males must have smaller territories, which are more easy to defend against rival males, and so they focus on defending their … Their large, wide-spreading feet are covered in fur, which act like snowshoes, and are effective in supporting the cat’s weight on the snow. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. [14] Populations declined from 15 subpopulations in the 1940s to only two subpopulations in the early 1990s, most noticeably in Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena. [46][43] In July 2013, environmental groups confirmed the presence of a wild-born litter in the Province of Cáceres (Extremadura). It has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2014. They can even kill reindeer when given the opportunity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When breeding or during harsh weather, lynx will often take shelter in caves or in hollow logs. Iberian Lynx, Pardel Lynx, Spanish Lynx. Family: Felidae [5], It competes for prey with red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and European wildcat (Felis silvestris). [78], Swiping with right paw with claws extended, Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, "Feeding behaviour and taphonomic characterization of non-ingested rabbit remains produced by the Iberian lynx (, "Adapted conservation measures are required to save the Iberian lynx in a changing climate", 'The lynx effect: Iberian cat claws its way back from brink of extinction ,', "A revised taxonomy of the Felidae: The final report of the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group", "Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic Analysis of Iberian Lynx Populations", "Former range and decline of the Iberian lynx (, "Ecosystem Effects of Variant Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Iberian Peninsula", "Rise in Iberian lynx road deaths speeds up protection plans", "Lince-ibérico: Jazz e Joaninha, que nasceram em Silves em 2012, foram hoje libertados na Andaluzia", "Iberian lynx threatened by climate change", "Iberian lynx faces new threat as disease decimates rabbit population", "El lince ibérico inicia una incierta <>", "La Junta de Andalucía refuerza en el Guadalmellato la población de lince ibérico con la suelta de dos ejemplares", "La población de linces se triplica en Andalucía en los últimos diez años", "Grupos ecologistas confirman que el lince ibérico cría en libertad en Cáceres", "Climate Change Could Wipe Out Iberian Lynx", "Iberian Lynx returns to Madrid region after 40 years", "Lince ibérico, o mais ameaçado dos felinos, fotografado em Milfontes", "More space in Portugal in pipeline for Iberian Lynx", "Portugal makes history with first release of Iberian Lynx", "Iberian Lynx female released last month found dead", "Final two Iberian Lynx released into the wild", "Começou a época de 2017 de libertações de linces em Portugal", "Resultado negativo en los chequeos a linces para detectar leucemia felina, con un positivo de virus de inmunodeficiencia", "Captured cubs hold future of Europe's tiger", "Endangered Iberian lynx cubs born in Spain", "Silves-born Iberian lynx released in Spain", "Quinze crias de lince ibérico nascem em Silves", "Lince-Ibérico Reproduz-se em Centros de Portugal e Espanha", "Já são 140 os linces-ibéricos em Portugal", "Fallece 'Geo', uno de los cachorros de lince ibérico nacido en cautividad este año", "Nacen 59 ejemplares de lince esta temporada en el Programa de Cría en Cautividad", "El programa de cría en cautividad del lince ibérico acaba la temporada con 44 cachorros", "El lince ibérico amplía sus dominios y alcanza los 475 ejemplares, pese a la falta de conejos y los atropellos", "Lince Ibérico: Depois de Mais um Atropelamento, Qual o Ponto de Situação? A scientific study in 2013 revealed that the Iberian lynx has antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococci bacteria in its intestines. [36] They can be found living in woodlands, … [5], The Iberian lynx is fully protected. [40] The European Union contributes up to 61% of funding. The four species of lynx are: Canadian, Eurasian, Iberian (or Spanish) lynx and the bobcat. I learned a lot about the lynx like what they eat, where they live, and many other different and interesting facts about this type of cat. The female will give birth to two to three young after a nine week gestation period. CBD-Habitat Foundation implements projects dedicated to the recovery, conservation, and reintroduction of the Iberian lynx. Its prized fur and label of agricultural pest has greatly reduced its range. If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal, BCR | March 15, 2015 [78] Iberian lynxes in Doñana and Andujar differ genetically at microsatellite markers. Will soon be back in the Sierra Andujar a prime and well known European key area where Iberian lynxes roam. They are arranged in lines and decrease in size from the back towards the sides. Its closest living relative is the Eurasian lynx. They reach independence by the age of 7-10 months, but will It is the most endangered cat species in the world. [35] Climate change may threaten the Iberian lynx, as it is not able to adapt well to a climate change. It is an endangered species, with only 1,000 remaining in the wild. The genetic diversity of the Iberian lynx is lower than in any other genetically impoverished felid, which is a consequence of fragmentation, a population bottleneck, and isolation of population units. The Siberian lynx prefers the cold wilderness and high altitude forests. In the 1950s, the northern population extended from the Mediterranean to Galicia and parts of northern Portugal, and the southern population from central to southern Spain. The earliest fossil remains of the Iberian lynx date to the Early Pleistocene. [18], The Iberian lynx prefers heterogeneous environments of open grassland mixed with dense shrubs such as strawberry tree, mastic, and juniper, and trees such as holm oak and cork oak. [40][48], On 26 November 2014, 8 Iberian lynxes were released into Toledo, Spain; one of them traveled near Madrid, the first time in 40 years. The Quartet – These cats have their own taxonomic genus. Interesting Facts.