23 Oct 2007 - Madrid,
Spain – Spanish authorities have announced
the discovery of a previously unknown population
of Iberian lynx, triggering hope for the
world’s most endangered cat species, said
WWF.
It appears that the new population was
discovered in previously unsurveyed estates
in the Castilla-La Mancha region in central
Spain.
At present, the exact numbers and location
of the newly discovered population are being
kept confidential, but the population is
thought to be made up of both adults and
cubs.
Until the exact location is known, conservationists
cannot confirm if this population is genetically
distinct from the larger and more stable
population of lynx found in Andujar in the
south.
“We are excited and amazed by this discovery,”
said Luis Suarez, Head of Species at WWF-Spain.
“However, we are a long way from saving
the Iberian lynx from imminent extinction.”
According to the most recent comprehensive
survey prior to this discovery, there were
about 100 adult Iberian lynx in 2 isolated
breeding populations in southern Spain.
The population is thought to have since
risen to some 110 adults.
The Iberian Lynx faces myriad threats —
a lack of prey, accidental deaths from cars
and trucks on Spanish roads, and new construction
work destroying habitats.
WWF is calling for all lynx habitat to
be covered by the EU's Natura 2000 Programme,
which offers the strongest level of protection
in Europe, something that still hasn’t happened
despite years of petition.
“We hope this discovery reinvigorates action
in Spain to save the world’s most endangered
cat species, Suarez added.
"If Europe cannot take responsibility
for Europe’s ‘tiger’, then shame on us all.”
Joanna Benn, Communications Manager
WWF Global Species Programme
Miguel Angel, Communications Officer
WWF-Spain
