In a strategic move aligned with a national recovery plan, the Iberian lynx population is set for a staged reintegration into the Region of Murcia. The opening batch comprises eight individuals equipped with geolocation devices, marking the first step of a larger program designed to repopulate Murcian landscapes over the coming years. This initiative broadens the reach of conservation efforts for the endangered species, which already exceeds 1,300 individuals across the Iberian Peninsula, into a new autonomous community.
Time is tight for the return to Murcia. In February, the Life LynxConnect project will release its first group in the Lorca mountains, focusing on the Sierras del Gigante-Pericay, Lomas del Buitre-Río Luchena, and Sierra de la Torrecilla. Thirty-two individuals will be available for reestablishment within this protected zone, evenly split between 16 females and 16 males.
The regional government, a partner in the project, initially designated the settling area and implemented a controlled release inside a fenced enclosure to ensure safety as the lynxes acclimate.
The highlands of Lorca emerge as a preferred site for resettlement, reflecting a low population density and sufficient space to support future expansion. The chosen area spans roughly 225 square kilometers and encompasses the Puentes reservoir and multiple public forests. At present, no private landholder agreements are required in this portion of the municipality.
Recently, the Ministry of Environment submitted a technical report to justify the regional selection to the Ministry of Ecological Transition and other partners for final review. The document notes a rabbit-rich ecosystem that provides ample prey for the lynx, while also examining potential hazards in the region.
Past months of study identified one main challenge for the release phase: road incidents along secondary routes passing through Lorca’s highlands.
The selected area covers an extension of 225 square kilometers.
During 44 weekly road surveys within the lynx reproduction corridor, observers encountered 46 carnivores, mostly domestic cats and foxes, using the area. The perimeter includes nine strategic roads linking Lorca with Caravaca and other zones, with some high-risk segments between them. Irrigation ponds numbered 219 and were recognized as potential hazards that require monitoring.
Another potential source of conflict involves 17 cattle ranches located in the region. No significant cases of poaching or poisoning have been recorded in recent years. Although hunting activity and agricultural pressures are high in total counts, poaching and illegal practices are rarely documented, according to project staff.
The state of health for wildlife coexisting with the lynx remains favorable, and technicians from the ministry do not foresee any immediate obstacles, though ongoing monitoring will continue.
Everything is ready
The nine-population Natura 2000 network area, including Zarcilla de Ramos, La Paca, Zarzadilla de Totana, Torrealvilla, El Río, La Tova, Ortillo, Parrilla, and Jarales, will host the lynx population. The ultimate objective is to establish five breeding females in this zone. The resettlement area also extends to the Sierras de Burete, Lavia, and Cambrón, closer to Cehegín and Bullas.
The lynx will inhabit a nine-population Natura 2000 Network area with low population density
Infrastructure and land are prepared to support the animals. The surrounding terrain spans several hectares and camera traps will be deployed to monitor the population. Some lynxes will wear GPS-enabled collars to track movements. The site Tierras altas de Lorca is regarded as suitable for reintroducing the Iberian lynx and should be designated as a resettlement site for the species.
Lorca’s rural and urban communities appear ready to welcome the Iberian lynx as it re-enters the Region of Murcia. A study by the regional ministries surveyed farmers, ranchers, hoteliers, and other workers to gauge support for the measure.
The issue of hunting has historically been sensitive. Local residents note that supporters are not uniformly distributed, with some hunters showing skepticism even as they recognize the lynx’s presence. Ecologists advocate for a mediator role within the rural landscape and encourage collaborations with NGOs to promote eco-tourism and wildlife protection. They also emphasize controlling threats to the lynx from human activity and ensuring animal welfare.
In June 2022, the annual report from the lynx working group, coordinated by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, highlighted a national rise in the lynx population. A total of about 1,365 individuals were recorded, including adults, young animals, and juveniles born in 2021. A century ago, the species faced near extinction, making today’s numbers a notable reversal.
For further information about the program, the environmental department can be contacted through official channels.