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In need of a resurrection: The Iberian lynx population dwindles
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Earlier this month, two Iberian lynxes were born in Portugal. The kittens were born on Easter Sunday, and many hope they indicate a resurrection of the species.
The last feline species to go extinct was the saber tooth tiger, but the Iberian lynx could be next. According to National Geographic, the Mediterranean cats have been around for millions of years, but now just 225 Iberian lynxes roam the earth.
This population count shows improvement from the 100 living Iberian lynxes about a decade ago. Still, this number is far too low for long-term survival. Hunting, road kills, habitat loss and dietary reliance on a disease-ridden rabbit population have sped the plunge of the species.
The Edmonton Journal reports that many Portuguese animal activists have hope in light of the recent kitten births. The lynxes were born in the National Centre for Iberian Lynx Reproduction in southern Portugal. Environment Minister Dulce Alvaro Passaro told the source, "this is the first time Iberian lynx are born in captivity here."
In addition to the Portugese captivity center, there is a European Union-supported Lynx LIFE project in Andalucia. IberianNature.com reports that the program works to conserve the environment needed to save the lynx, though it cannot guarantee the survival of the species.
The Lynx LIFE project sponsors a captive breeding program. The animals used for breeding are generally those taken from the wild because of injuries and other life-threatening conditions. Through this strategy, project officials hope they can create a viable captive breeding population without having a negative impact on small wild populations.
National Geographic says the Lynx LIFE group recently received $35 million in conservation pledges that will be used to build up rabbit populations, move cats to safe locations and build up prey-friendly habitats in the new decade.
Hopefully, these measures will help the Iberian lynx population see the next decade.
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