IBERIAN IYNX -
ENVIRONMENT
News: Endangered Iberian lynx
population doubles in 3 years
What's in the news?
●
The Spanish government recently announced that the
population of endangered Iberian lynx in the wild in Spain and Portugal has
almost doubled since 2020.
Iberian lynx:
●
It is one of two carnivore species endemic to Europe (the other being
European mink, Mustela lutreola).
Habitat:
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It requires variable terrain below 1300 m,
containing a mosaic of closed
Mediterranean scrubland interspersed with open patches of grassland, often
with marsh ecotones.
Distribution:
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It was once distributed throughout the Iberian
Peninsula; the species is now sparsely distributed in Spain and Portugal.
Features:
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It is the world's
most endangered and known for its pointy
ears, long legs and leopard-like spotted fur.
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This species, like other cat species, is sexually dimorphic, with males being
heavier and longer than females.
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This lynx is generally nocturnal and its activity
patterns are closely synchronized with those of their major prey, the rabbit.
Threats:
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These are related to human activities, such as
poaching and habitat destruction, Illegal Hunting and decreased food base etc.
Conservation Status:
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IUCN Red List - Endangered
●
CITES - Appendix
II