Iberian lynx’s

GS Paper III Environment

Recently, IUCN has changed Iberian lynx’s status to ‘vulnerable’ from ‘endangered’ due to significant improvement in its conservation status.

Population of Lynx

2001 Status: In 2001, the lynx population had dwindled to just 62 mature individuals.
- By 2022, the number of mature lynx increased to 648.
Current status: Including young lynx, the total population is now estimated to be over 2,000.

Scientific name: Lynx pardinus
- It belongs to cat species and is sexually dimorphic.
  - Males are heavier and longer than females.
Distribution: Spain and Portugal
Known for: long legs, pointy ears, and leopard-like spotted fur.

In India, Eurasian lynx is found in the frozen cold desert of Ladakh

Enhancing prey: Increase the population of its primary prey, the Endangered European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
Protection and Restoration of habitat: Protecting and restoring its Mediterranean scrub and forest habitat.
- Habitat Expansion: The lynx’s habitat has expanded significantly, now covering at least 3,320 km², up from just 449 km² in 2005.
- Reintroduction: Since 2010, over 400 Iberian lynx have been reintroduced into various areas of Portugal and Spain.
Minimizing human-caused fatalities.
Genetic Diversity and Breeding Programs
- Genetic diversity: The diversity of the Iberian Lynx has been improved through translocations.
- An ex-situ breeding program: This program has also been crucial in increasing the population. These both measures played a crucial role in increasing the population of Iberian lynx’s.

Ex situ breeding program aims to protect endangered species outside their natural habitat.
This involves relocating part of the population to a new, controlled environment similar to their natural habitat, such as zoos or wildlife sanctuaries.
Significance: Helps increase genetic diversity by carefully selecting mating pairs from different regions.

Despite the success, several threats remain:

Virus outbreak: The European rabbit population, crucial for the lynx’s diet, is vulnerable to virus outbreaks.
Disease due to climate change: The lynx faces diseases from domestic cats, poaching, road accidents, and habitat changes due to climate change
Other risks: Poaching, illegal hunting, and road accidents still threaten the species’ survival.

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