The recent history of the Iberian Lynx makes a depressing read. The decline in the rabbit population and loss of habitat put the world's most threatened feline on the brink of extinction. The Iberian Peninsula, once called i-shepan-im (land of rabbits) by the Phoenicians, is now struggling to keep the rabbit population stable and, above all, free of diseases. On the positive side, the lynx numbers seem to be recovering during the last decade, although it is still listed as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List.

According to Life Lynx Connect, the Andalusia region boasts the largest population, with 492 specimens distributed between two sectors:

- Sierra Morena: Andújar (216), Guadalmellato (51) and Guarrizas (140).
- Doñana (85).

In the Extremadura region we can find another two sectors, significantly smaller than those of Andalusia:

- Valdecañas- Ibores (10)
- Matachel (131)

Finally, the Castilla La Mancha region hosts the sectors of Montes de Toledo (145) and East Sierra Morena (26). Vale do Guadiana, in Portugal, closes the list (140). Total 1114.

Source: Prepared by Ricardo NM based on the 2020 Life Lynx Connect census

---