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IBERIAN LYNX |
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IBERIAN LYNX |
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Highlighted words
are explained at the end of the
passage. |
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The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered cat species, as well as the only endemic large carnivore in Europe, stands to benefit from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) conservation initiatives. |
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The Iberian lynx is found only in isolated pockets
of Spain and Portugal. It is thought that the species experienced
an 80 per cent range loss between 1960 and 1990. The last studies carried
out
on its population in 1988 estimated fewer than
1,150 animals in Spain and around 50 in Portugal. Currently, it is
estimated that the population in Spain totals no more than 600,
many existing in tiny,
fragmented populations. The main threats to the Iberian lynx include illegal hunting, traps and snares set for smaller predators, the decline in rabbit populations, and habitat deterioration and alteration. The fragmentation of lynx populations is a fundamental threat to their survival. |
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There are nine separate populations in Spain and Portugal that are
themselves divided into 48 breeding areas. However, new
infrastructure projects continue to fragment lynx populations
and create new barriers in "corridor" areas between
populations. As part of conservation efforts throughout the region, WWF Spain has
purchased hunting rights on 11 game
reserves in the Toledo mountains and in the Sierra
Morena, for a total of 14,466 hectares. Both areas are key
lynx habitat. This, together with the removal of predator
control, has ensured an increase in the populations of the
lynx's traditional preys.
Research is also being carried out in these reserves to
establish with greater accuracy the current size of the local
lynx population. As the greater part of the Iberian Lynx habitat lies within
privately-owned land, WWF Spain's project also aims at ensuring
the collaboration of land-owners
in conservation efforts ranging from habitat preservation to
monitoring of illegal traps. Besides the field work, WWF commissioned in January 2000 a study entitled
'Proposals for the management of game reserves in the
distribution area of the Iberian Lynx'. The study reviews
different management models, compatible with lynx conservation
objectives, and at the same time lists potential funding
sources. The results of this study will be used as the basis for
a publication, scheduled for 2001 and aimed
at land-owners. At the same
time, public awareness and
environmental education materials will be published and
distributed among the local population. WWF Spain will also be working on the preparation of the Natura 2000
'shadow list', and related lobbying, as the original Natura 2000
list doesn't include several of the key areas for lynx
conservation. |
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