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Iberian Lynx
(Other Names: Pardel Lynx, Pardine Lynx, Spanish Lynx) Lynx pardinus (Felis lynx pardina, Lynx lynx pardina)
The Iberian lynx was formerly found throughout Spain and Portugal. Although it began to decline in the first half of the 20th century, the decline accelerated after the 1950's due to the spread of myxomatosis, a disease which decimated populations of the European rabbit, the lynx's main prey. Additional factors in the lynx's decline include habitat loss (which affects both the lynx itself as well as its rabbit prey), illegal hunting, accidental killing by snares and poison baits set for other animals, and roadkill.
As of 1996 it occurred mainly in the southern Iberian Peninsula in over 100 isolated sub-populations. The Iberian lynx is one of the world's rarest mammals. At only about 800 existing in wild today. It is rated as the most endangered cat species in the world because of its low total numbers, the fragmentation and limited number of habitats it uses and its small range.
Projects:
The limited range of the Iberian lynx makes the task of protecting its habitat somewhat easier than with many other animals. Core "lynx areas" must be identified and designated as protected. This would mean land management techniques to preserve the lynx's favoured scrub and to provide incentives for landowners to encourage lynxes on to their land.Building development and hunting, whether with guns, snares, traps or poisons, should be banned. More reliable research into lynx populations, location and the state of the prey base is needed and it may be necessary to move individual animals or groups in order to aid the recovery of isolated communities of Iberian Lynx.
Weight:
Average: 20.5 lb (F); 28.2 lb up to 59 lb (M)
Habitat:
The Iberian lynx prefers a mosaic
of woodland or dense scrub
for shelter during the day and
open pasture for hunting rabbits.
Maximum Age:
Up to 13 years.
Behavior:
The Iberian lynx is predominantly nocturnal. It is an excellent tree climber.
Daily travel distance averages about 4 miles. A variety of locations are used
for breeding lairs,
including cavities under thorn thickets where twigs and grass are used to
build nests, burrows, hollow trees,
and even old stork nests high off of the ground. Captured prey is usually
carried or dragged
a considerable distance before being eaten, and the remains are buried.
What you can do:
Become a member of WWF (http://www.panda.org), and become involved with the
organization.
Links:
· http://lynx.uio.no/jon/lynx/lynxib01.htm ·
http://www.wwf-uk.org/animals/lynx/lynx-int.htm ·
http://www.wildlifeeasyst.com/iberian.htm ·
http://www.panda.org/resources/publications/species/underthreat/iberianlynx.htm
By: ~Sister Seaswept~