The most threatened cat in the world, the Iberian Lynx is critically endangered. Only one hundred viable adults remain in small reserves in Spain.
The most endangered cat in the world, the Iberian Lynx, is also the
most threatened European carnivore. Found solely in Iberian peninsula
in Spain, the wild cat is likely to be the first to go extinct among
feline species. Closely related but smaller than the Eurasian Lynx, the
Iberian Lynx weighs in the range of thirty to sixty pounds with a more
cat-like face and distinct skin markings than its European cousin. Rest
of the attributes, including prominent facial ruff, short tail, longish
legs and tufted ears, are similar to other lynx species.
A
solitary hunter and nocturnal predator the Iberian Lynx relies largely
on stealth and stalking to bring down prey. It often lays hidden in
wait for hours before pouncing on the hunted animal in as few bounds as
possible. Chief prey animal is the rabbit, with birds, rodents and
hares less commonly taken. In times of desperation, such as these, when
the prey base is thin - deer and mouflons are also attacked and killed
by the lynx. The ear tufts aid the cat in locating its prey while thick
hair on paws enable it to tread on snow and move silently.
Also
known as Spanish Lynx, the secretive cat mates at the beginning of the
year and cubs are usually born in the months of March and April.
Usually three to four babies are born and gain independence at around
eight to nine months of age.
For much of history, the Iberian
Lynx was a part of Spanish fauna and flora - having a marked influence
on the ecosystem. Throughout the last century there has been a steady
decline in the cat's population, largely due to loss of its main prey
animal - the rabbit - to disease. Other elements like roadside kills,
poaching, hunting and habitat destruction with the development of
Spanish infrastructure have also played a part. Despite warnings by
eminent conservationists in the past decades, little government action
has been taken to preserve the lynx or its habitat. With nearly one
hundred adults remaining in areas the size of pinpricks on the map of
Spain - it is now or never for the Iberian Lynx.
There is the
tiniest flicker of hope with birth in captivity of few of these
beautiful cats and some incentive shown by authorities in recent times
to protect their reserves in the wild. The situation is still critical
though and demands swift and sustainable action if the Iberian Lynx is
to survive as a specie!
