The Government of Castilla-La Mancha banks on Ciudad Real as a stable and fundamental core for lynx reintroduction

The delegate of the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha in Ciudad Real, Carmen Olmedo, highlighted the commitment of the Government headed by Emiliano García-Page to make this province a stable and fundamental core for Iberian lynx reintroduction.

Olmedo made the announcement moments before participating in the release of two new specimens in Eastern Sierra Morena. Namely, Opium (male) and Oveja (female), as the two animals are called, were released at the Las Ensanchas estate located between the Torrenueva and Torre de Juan Abad municipalities, thus adding to the release of two others specimens on February 6th in Almuradiel.

Given the special attributes this specific area of the province holds for a species as sensitive as the Iberian lynx – an endangered species, lest we forget –both for its flora and fauna, the Government delegate characterized it as "a perfect habitat that guarantees food for the lynxes thanks to the presence of wild rabbits".

Fifty new cubs

Olmedo also sought to emphasize the collaboration of the Castilla-La Mancha Government in the development of the LIFE+Iberlince program, which "is producing some spectacular, encouraging results", recalling the fifty new cubs born in the region over the last two years that raise the figure above the 70 released and born in the wild thanks to this European program.

A success which the head of the Castilla-La Mancha Executive unquestionably attributes to the important awareness raising work done among the Sierra Morena-Campo de Calatrava population; to the collaboration of different groups; and also to private estates owners and hunting associations who manage lands suitable for lynx reproduction for signing 12 agreements pertaining to an extension of over 20,000 hectares in the Sierra Morena area, south of Valdepeñas.

Ensuring a future for the lynx without threats

Taking advantage of the presence of a large group of students from local schools, Olmedo made a special mention to the importance of environmental education involving schools located within lynx reintroduction areas. Olmedo stated "it is essential for students to learn, from a young age, to respect and share the territory with this emblematic species, as this will ensure it a future without threats".

Furthermore, Olmedo highlighted the extra effort that the Government of Castilla-La Mancha will make by investing 1.2 million euros in natural passages for the Iberian lynx, a plan set to begin in the Ciudad Real province, specifically in the area surrounding Lagunas de Ruidera.

On a final note, among the attendees, along with Olmedo an members of Iberlince, were the provincial director of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development, Prado Amores, and the mayors of Torrenueva and Torre de Juan Abad, León Fernández and María Fresneda respectively.