The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) has a registered population of 1,365 individuals, including adults, sub-adults, and juveniles born in 2021, marking a new high in the annual report compiled by the Lynx Working Group under the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
This represents the strongest data yet for Iberian lynx populations and shows a rise of nearly 23% from the 2020 census, which counted 1,111 individuals. Despite hitting this optimistic milestone, the species remains officially listed as endangered in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species.
The study confirms a continuing upward trajectory in recent years, aided by ongoing monitoring programs. Europa Press notes that two decades ago the population was under 100, making 2021 a historic milestone in the species’ recovery.
The lynx is distinguished by medium size and striking features: triangular ears with feathering, a small mane at the cheeks and neck, a spotted coat, a tail measuring 8 to 15 centimeters, and a dense fur coat. Its hunting ability includes leaps of up to five meters.
Twenty years ago, this emblematic mammal of the Peninsula teetered near extinction, with a population just over 90 individuals, a level that made it one of the world’s most imperiled cats.
In 1986 the species was listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In 2015 the IUCN again categorized the lynx as endangered. Although still endangered, experts project a potential improvement by 2040 if conservation efforts persist.
Distribution by autonomous communities
Among the 13 population centers recorded on the Iberian Peninsula in 2021, 12 are in Spain with 1,156 individuals. Of these Spanish centers, five are in Andalusia (519 individuals), three in Castilla-La Mancha (473 individuals), and four in Extremadura (164 individuals).
Andalusia again leads in population data, housing nearly half of the samples. Castilla-La Mancha shows the strongest annual growth, lifting its numbers by about 45 percent in the year.
In Extremadura, the core populations are Matachel (121), Ortigas (20), Valdecañas/Ibores (14), and Valdecigüeñas (9).
Andalusia’s largest cores are Andújar-Cardeña (200 individuals) and Guarrizas (164), followed by Doñana-Aljarafe (94), Guadalmellato (44), and Sierra Norte (17). In Castilla-La Mancha, Montes de Toledo stands out with 221 individuals, followed by Sierra Morena Oriental (170) and Sierra Morena Occidental (82).
All population parameters, including total lynx numbers, fertile females, and offspring, show a clearly positive trend since coordinated conservation actions began in 2002.
In 2021, 500 births were recorded from 277 breeding females. The overall productivity, defined as litters per breeding female, was 1.8 for Spain and 2.3 for Portugal. For Spanish autonomous communities, offspring per female averaged 1.4 in Andalusia, 2.4 in Castilla-La Mancha, and 1.4 in Extremadura.
Still in Danger
The overall progress shows the Iberian lynx moving away from critical extinction levels, yet census data underscores the need to stay vigilant. Continued conservation programs and measures to support diverse lynx populations are essential in both Spain and Portugal. The species remains endangered and is still listed in Spain’s Endangered Species Catalogue.
National governments along with regional authorities have carried out a sustained, strategic program over the past two decades to achieve these gains in species conservation. The effort involves ministries of ecology, nature conservation agencies, and regional administrations across the two countries.
Experts also highlight the pivotal role of nonprofit organizations and European funding in boosting the program. Organizations such as environmental groups and conservation foundations have contributed resources to these efforts through varied projects aimed at improving lynx populations.
The WWF has described the year-over-year increase in the lynx population as very positive, while noting that the species remains at risk. It emphasizes that continued work is needed to eliminate major threats, including illegal killings and poisoning, which have historically damaged populations. A WWF Spain project leader stresses that illegal shootings and traps are crimes under the Criminal Code and contribute to irreparable losses each year.
Continued progress depends on sustained action and vigilance to safeguard the gains already achieved and to push toward a more resilient future for the Iberian lynx.
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