Great News For the Rare Iberian lynx Cat!
Scientists now say the rare Iberian lynx cat is no longer in danger of disappearing. Before, it was on the red list as an animal that could vanish forever. But the group checking animal safety, called the IUCN, moved the Iberian lynx cat up to a safer spot.
This wild cat lives in Spain and Portugal. Not long ago, there were only 62 grown lynxes left. But now scientists counted over 2,000 lynxes of all ages! They live in 14 good spots all over Iberia.
Many years ago, lynxes could be found all over the area. Then roads, hunting and losing homes made themrare. Conservation people worked hard to help.
They improved rabbit food sources and let captive lynxes go free. Forests and scrublands came back too.
One helper called it “the biggest success saving a cat species!” There is more to do to keep lynxes thriving.
But their habitat is much larger now. Scientists are even thinking of adding lynxes to new places in Spain.
The IUCN said don’t relax though. Diseases from house cats, rabbit shortages and road deaths still threaten the lynx comeback. Poachers too.
Lots of work went into the recovery, so all must stay watchful. It’s great so many people came together worldwide to save these special cats! The red list information ensures wildlife has the best chances.
What specific conservation efforts succeeded in increasing the Iberian lynx population?
Here are some of the conservation efforts that seemed most helpful for the Iberian lynx cat comeback, based on different web sources
- Planting more scrubby plants and trees for rabbit homes. The lynx love chasing fuzzy bunnies for dinner, so more rabbits means more little lynx kits!
- Making safe spaces far from busy roads. It’s sad when any animal gets hurt by fast cars, and before the lynx families lived too near roads. Now they have quiet woods.
- Protecting rabbits from foxes and birds that like to eat them. With yummy bunnies to catch, mama and papa lynx feel like the best hunters and raise lots of litters of babies.
- Letting lynxes grow up in parks then setting them free with friends. Maybe they teach each other rabbit tricks! And having friendships helps when searching for mates.
- Catching naughty poachers who disturb the kitties. Lynxes need safe hiding spots to raise their young families without scary humans bothering them.
- Working with landowners so lynxes can go wherever rabbits live. As long as they have woodlands and scrubby areas connecting habitats, their families will thrive for generations to come!
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