A study led by the Doñana Biological Station has concluded that the Iberian lynx would have more genetic diversity now than 4000 thousand years ago thanks to the genetic exchange with the Eurasian lynx. This study is essential in the current scenario in which the genetic viability of the Iberian lynx is still not guaranteed

A study of the Doñana Biological Station – CSIC determined that 1100 reproductive females, triple the 2022 census, are needed to guarantee the genetic viability of this species

The role that apex predators play in ecosystem functioning, disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance is increasingly debated. However, the positive impacts of their presence in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in human-dominated landscapes, remain controversial. Limited experimental insights regarding the consequences of apex predator recoveries may be behind such controversy and may also impact on the social acceptability towards the recovery of these species.

Ex situ programmes have become critical for improving the conservation of many threatened species, as they establish backup populations and provide individuals for reintroduction and reinforcement of wild populations. The Iberian lynx was considered the most threatened felid species in the world in the wake of a dramatic decline during the second half of the 20th century. An ex situ conservation programme was established in 2003 with individuals from the two well-differentiated, remnant...

After six decades of decline and pronounced range contraction, between 2002 and 2012 population size of the Iberian Lynx has continuously increased from 52 to 156 mature individuals in the two remaining wild populations.