Iberian Lynx - Population & Distribution
Only scattered groups remain
There has been a fast and accelerating decline of this species over the past two hundred years. Whereas the Iberian lynx was once present in Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France (early 19th century), by 1914 it was confined to the southern half of Spain and Portugal. In the 1960's, the population contracted to an area of 57,000 km² (about 10% of the surface of Spain). In Portugal, a 1989 survey estimated some 40 to 50 individuals across 2,400 km².
Current Population and DistributionThe current recruitment rate of the lynx is low, due to the scarcity of rabbits, which reduces the species reproductive potential. Population maintenance depends upon low levels of adult mortality and a relatively long lifespan. Lynx populations are therefore extremely vulnerable to additional stresses such as non-natural mortality.
The most recent comprehensive survey, in 2002, revealed only two isolated breeding populations, containing just 120-155 individuals over 350 km², both in Andalucia, southern Spain. The population includes scattered groups, of which only two are considered to have populations which could be viable in the long term.