The lynx lived in the Iberian Peninsula about a million years until almost extinct in the 20th century.
In a joint effort of technicians, partners in the field and decision makers, the reintroduction of the species began in 2015.
Every year young lynxes are released in the field.
The goal is to achieve a savage population that is viable and brings added value to the territory.
Between 2015 and 2017 27 animals were released in the Guadiana Valley.
Since 2016 there is reproduction in nature and most animals have stable territory.
To follow the reintroduction means to monitor the lynx by radio tracking, photo-trapping, genetic analysis, monitoring the health status of the animals, gestating females and the abundance of wild rabbit in the occurrence areas.
Involving partners and leveraging initiatives in the territories is an essential part of the success of this reintroduction.
These are images of the public release of 2018, of two lynxs , Odelouca and Ouriço , in the municipality of Serpa.
* Original text by ICNF
A big shout out to this guys :
Team ICNF LIFE Iberlince: Ana Zúquete, Pedro Rocha, Pedro Sarmento, Carlos Carrapato, João Alves, Emídio Santos and Margarida Fernandes
Pictures taken with Fuji X-T2 , Fuji X-Pro2 and 23mm 1.4 & 56mm 1.2