The International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) reclassifies the Iberian lynx from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered'

Thanks to big conservation efforts, the Iberian lynx can be downlisted in the Red List by one level after 13 years of being Critically Endangered
 
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (UICN) has reclassified the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered', after evaluating the 77,340 species included in the Red List compiled by this organisation.

The evolution of populations of this feline have been studied by the scientists Alejandro Rodriguez and Javier Calzada, who concluded that following six decades of decline in population and in its area of presence, between 2002 and 2012 the size of the Iberian lynx population continuously increased reaching 156 mature individuals, this corresponds to 97 mature females. 2002, when the Iberian lynx was up-listed to Critically Endangered, there were only 27 mature females left. As such, the area of presence of this species has also experienced a significant increase. As a result of all this, the category of the Iberian lynx has changed from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered'.

Inger Andersen, Director General of the UICN stated that 'Saving the Iberian Lynx from the brink of extinction while securing the livelihoods of local communities is a perfect example'. While Urs Breitenmoser, Chairman of the UICN's feline Specialist Group, said 'This is fantastic news for the Iberian Lynx, and excellent proof that conservation action really works. However, the job is far from finished and we must continue our conservation efforts to secure future range expansion and population growth of the species '.

Nowadays, the Iberian lynx is confined to 2 quite separate areas, Doñana-Aljarafe and Sierra Morena (Guadalmellato-Cardeña-Andújar-Guarrizas). The Regional Government of Andalusia is working in these areas with various entities (CBDH Foundation, WWF/Adena, Ecologistas en Acción, FAC, Ateca and Secem) through the Life Nature Projects, in order to maintain and increase the populations of this feline in Andalusia.

Through the new Life+ Nature Iberlince Project, recovery of the historic distribution of the species in the Iberian Peninsula has begun and a total of 19 institutions have made it possible to start this recovery through reintroduction in the Guadiana Valley in Portugal, Matachel Valley, Extremadura and Toledo Mountains and eastern Sierra Morena, Castilla-La Mancha. 43 individuals have been released in these new areas since last year, from a conservation breeding program, where new populations are being formed, which will contribute towards ensuring the future conservation of the species.

Looking ahead, the hard work carried out until now needs to continue because although the populations of this feline are recovering progressively, we must guarantee this growth, which implies working on the recovery of the populations of wild rabbit, its main food, which would require a national Plan, working to stop them being run over, making road infrastructures permeable, and of course, guaranteeing the supervision of the new population nuclei, which have been formed through reintroduction programmes and the social support of the local populations.

According to the UICN, habitat loss and deterioration has been identified as the main threat to 85% of all the species described in the Red List, together with illegal trade and the proliferation of invasive species. Of the 77,340 species included in the list, 22,784 are in danger of extinction.

http://www.iucnredlist.org/static/categories_criteria_3_1
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12520/0