During mating season, Navarro, a male lynx with leopard-like spots, is captured on camera as he roams, emitting calls. The Iberian lynx, just under 100cm in length and 45cm in height, was once a rare sight but now has a population of over 2,000 in the wild in Spain and Portugal. Rodrigo Serra, in charge of the reproduction program in both countries, explains that the lynx was on the brink of extinction, with less than 100 remaining in two separate populations, only 25 of which were reproductive females. Factors contributing to their decline included habitat loss due to agriculture, road fatalities, and food scarcity, particularly the decline of wild rabbits, their primary prey. In 2005, Portugal had no lynxes left, but Spain saw the birth of the first litter in captivity. The subsequent establishment of a National Breeding Centre in Silves, Algarve, aimed to prepare lynxes for release into the wild. The lynxes are closely monitored and trained for life in the wild, ensuring they remain wild animals and not become accustomed to humans. With their numbers gradually increasing, efforts are being made to prevent conflicts with local communities, particularly regarding attacks on livestock. The ultimate goal is to reach a population of 5,000-6,000 in the wild by 2035, securing the long-term conservation of the Iberian lynx. “Es surrealista que estemos en un lugar donde podemos ver linces en la naturaleza o a través de trampas para cámaras casi a diario”, dice Sarmento.
El equipo de reproducción no está siendo complaciente y hay riesgos involucrados en su trabajo. El año pasado el 80% de las muertes de linces ocurrieron en las carreteras.
Por ahora, sin embargo, se sienten seguros de que el lince ibérico ha sido salvado.