In 2002, only 94 Iberian lynx remained alive. Today, over 1,000 roam Portugal and Spain — the greatest recovery of any wildcat species ever recorded.
The Most Endangered Wildcat on Earth
In 2002, the Iberian lynx was on the edge of oblivion. With only 94 individuals confirmed alive, it was the most endangered wildcat in the world — more so than tigers, more so than snow leopards.
The causes were familiar: habitat loss, road deaths, collapse of rabbit populations (their primary prey), and illegal hunting. The future looked bleak.
A Species Brought Back
What followed was one of the most intensive species recovery programmes in history. Captive breeding centres in Spain and Portugal produced cubs for reintroduction. Rabbit populations were rebuilt. Motorway underpasses were constructed for lynx crossings. Communities were engaged.
>> "We didn't just save an animal. We rebuilt a whole ecosystem around it."
By 2012, the population had doubled to 200. By 2020, it had reached 1,100. Today, over 1,000 Iberian lynx roam the Iberian Peninsula in self-sustaining wild populations — and the species has been upgraded from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
It is the greatest recovery of any wildcat species ever recorded.
What Comes Next
The lynx still faces threats. Road collisions remain the leading cause of death. Habitat connectivity is fragile. But the trajectory has reversed.
The Global Rewilding Alliance supports the partnerships that made this possible, and the ongoing work to expand lynx territory across the peninsula.