Iberian lynx spotted in Catalonia

Cameras have recorded a freed Iberian lynx in Catalonia.

The animal, named Secret, is a male specimen born four years ago in captivity in Silves, Portugal.

Secret was released near a farm in Seville, Andalusia, and Catalan authorities have ruled out capturing it to return it to the south of Spain.

The animal was noticed a few weeks ago in Catalonia, as the Spanish newspaper El Periódico first reported, and later confirmed by the Catalan News Agency (ACN). The Iberian lynx was recorded in western Catalonia, in an unsuitable area for the species but with food sources available nearby.

Experts are unaware whether Secret is still in Catalonia or has moved to the region of Aragón.

Reintroduction to Catalonia

Catalan authorities have previously proposed reintroducing the Iberian lynx into the territory. However, following farmers' protests, the project was stopped as part of a deal with Revolta Pagesa.

Lynx mainly eat rabbits and birds, and while the project is temporarily halted, officials would like to reintroduce the species to Catalonia.

"Any reintroduction project of the Iberian lynx will be made when the farming industry is convinced and agrees with it," Catalan environmental transition secretary Jordi Sargatal said in April.

Sargatal highlights that the lynx can help to control rabbits, a species that is affecting the farming industry in several parts of Catalonia.

"The best way to tackle plagues is with the help of natural predators," Sargatal added.

No longer endangered

Spain and Portugal's Iberian lynx population grew 19% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to data published by Spain's environmental ministry on Thursday.

Overall, there were 2,401 specimens, 1,557 of which were adults, and 844 of which were cubs born in 2024.

There were 2,047 animals in Spain and 354 lynx in Portugal, with the Castilla-La Mancha region leading the ranking with 942 animals, representing 46% of the Spanish population.

The population has grown exponentially over the last 23 years, from fewer than 100 Iberian lynx in 2002 to over 2,400 in 2024.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources announced last June that the Iberian lynx's conservation status had improved from Endangered to Vulnerable.

"The improvement in the Red List status of the Iberian lynx shows that successful conservation works for wildlife and communities alike," said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, in a written statement.