Scientific name
The scientific name of the Iberian lynx is Lynx pardinus.
Family
The Iberian lynx belongs to the Felidae family, which is the feline family.
Location
It is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, located in south-western Europe. In Spain, they can be found especially in Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura. In Portugal, they can be seen mainly in the Alentejo and Algarve regions.
Behavior
Iberian lynxes are very territorial. Males have territories that may overlap with those of several females, but rarely overlap with those of other males. Females have smaller territories and may overlap with other females.
It uses scent and visual markings to communicate and delimit its territory. Iberian lynxes scratch the ground, urinate and deposit faeces in strategic places to signal their presence.
Outside the breeding season, it is a solitary animal. Social interactions are mainly limited to the mother-pup relationship and brief encounters during the breeding season.
Juveniles, especially males, may disperse long distances in search of new territories once they become independent. This dispersal is crucial for the colonisation of new areas and genetic diversification.
Feeding Habits
It is a solitary and crepuscular predator, hunting mainly at dawn and dusk. Its main prey is the European rabbit, which makes up the majority of its diet. In the absence of rabbits, it can hunt birds, small mammals and young ungulates.
Reproduction
Breeding season is late winter and early spring. Females give birth to one to four cubs after a gestation period of about two months. Puppies remain with the mother until 8-10 months of age, when they begin to become independent.
