Collaboration for the conservation of the Iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the endemic feline of the Iberian Peninsula, continues to recover thanks to LIFE projects. In 2002, the Iberian lynx was Critically Endangered, with only 94 specimens. Thanks to the work carried out through the conservation projects, there are now more than 2,000 specimens left on the Iberian Peninsula. A milestone in the recovery of the species!

Lince ibérico. Imagen cortesía de Antonio Rodríguez

Image by Antonio Rodríguez.

This impressive recovery continues to take place thanks to the involvement of many institutions, organisations and experts, who through numerous actions, have contributed to the protection of this fascinating feline. From Zoo Madrid, home of the lynxes Jazmín and Kalama, we want to let you know about this successful collaboration and how you can contribute to it. Read on to find out more!

Did you know?

In 2002 the Iberian lynx was classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ according to the IUCN. Thanks to conservation efforts, it has been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ since 2024.

The LynxConnect Life Project

In the early 2000s, the Iberian lynx was close to extinction. It was then that several LIFE Projects began to be carried out consecutively to conserve this emblematic species and its habitat as never before. The success of these programmes has made it possible to achieve figures such as these:

2.021 lynx

living in their habitat.

722 cubs

born in 2023.

406 females

breeding females in 2023.

More than 440 lynx

released since 2010.

The fourth LIFE project, called LynxConnect, is currently underway and complements the previous plans. It seeks to consolidate and connect incipient Iberian lynx nuclei to ensure long-term demographic and genetic viability and that the future Iberian lynx population is self-sustainable. All of this is based on 6 major objectives and numerous actions.

Achieving them will guarantee the survival of the Iberian lynx and reduce its level of threat:

Increase

the overall size of the population, monitoring all the population nuclei. In addition, two new core populations will be created in Granada and Murcia, and the transfer and release of captive-born lynxes will continue.

Connect

the different nuclei to each other, to preserve genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding.

Reduce

unnatural mortality: correction of black spots for safe road crossings to avoid roadkill, measures to reduce poaching and monitoring to avoid outbreaks of feline diseases.

Engage

with society in the protection of the species, introducing lynx conservation into educational programmes, generating podcasts, etc.

Secure

Ensure the availability of prey (rabbit populations) by managing habitat.

Innovate

in the monitoring of the species, improving methods and the long-term genetic monitoring and management of the Iberian lynx population.

Want to know more about LynxConnect and how to contribute to the project?

Meet LynxConnect

Image by Antonio Rodríguez.

The work of the La Olivilla Breeding Centre

The Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre La Olivilla, located in the town of Santa Elena (Jaén) began in 2007 when Camarina and Cuco, the first specimens, arrived from the breeding centre of El Acebuche. Their arrival marked the beginning of this centre, whose aim was to care for and conserve this native species.

In 2009, the first litter of Iberian lynx from this centre was born. The two-year-old female Dama, who had been born in captivity, gave birth to the cubs Fan and Foco. This birth was also a milestone because it was the first time that a two year old lynx had successfully reproduced in the Breeding Programme. This birth was also the first litter of two cubs born in captivity.

This impressive centre, a benchmark for the breeding, protection and release of the Iberian lynx, contains 23 facilities of some 1,250m2 each, in which the vegetation typical of the area is preserved. The centre also has other areas for the clinic-laboratory, offices, cub breeding, quarantine and staff accommodation.

Did you know?

La Olivilla has actively contributed to the recovery of the Iberian lynx in its habitat, with at least 129 Iberian lynx bred in its facilities, of which 70 have been released into the wild.

The Iberian lynx in Zoo Madrid

Another option to contribute to the care of the Iberian lynx is to come to the Zoo to meet Jazmín and Kalama, the pair that arrived in 2016 from the breeding centre in Granadilla (Cáceres). As they are not suitable for breeding, they fulfil another of the missions of the species' conservation programme: raising awareness, preservation and educational awareness of the species and its problems. The Iberian lynx, the most endangered feline on the planet, has become a worthy ambassador of conservation in the Iberian Peninsula and a good example of the institutional efforts for its preservation.

Come to Zoo Madrid to discover it. You will be able to observe and learn about this species and with your visit, you will be contributing to raising awareness of the situation of this emblematic animal!

Meet the Iberian Lynx at Zoo