Iberian Lynx Medical check-up
Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)
El Acebuche Breeding Center, Matalascañas, Huelva. SPAIN
JUB a wild-caught male lynx from Sierra Morena. When caught it was in very bad condition having also nearly lost an eye after a suspected fight with another, more dominant, lynx. It was brought into the EXSITU captive rearing centre of Acebuche in Doñana. This male now forms part of the breeding stock of the captive reared animals which are bred for future release back into the wild. He is undergoing a thorough medical check-up after having shown signs of lethargy and general loss of condition.
RANGE: Iberian Penninsula of Spain & Portugal.
CITES 1, CRITICAL - DANGER OF EXTINCTION
Fewer than 200 animals in the wild. There is a reduced genetic variability due to their small population. They have suffered due to hunting, habitat loss, road accidents, reduced food supply due to desease in rabbits (Myxomatosis & RHD) - their base food supply. Deseases such as feline leukaemia
A medium sized cat weighing 12-15kgs, Body length 90cm, Shoulder height 45-50cm. They have a mottled fur pattern, (3 varieties of fur pattern found between the different populations and distinguishing them geographically) short tail, ear tufts and are bearded. They are territorial cats although female cubs have been found to share their mother's territory. Mating occurs in Dec/Jan and cubs born around April. They live up to 13 years.
Mission: Iberian Lynx, May 2009
© Pete Oxford / Wild Wonders of Europe
Zaldumbide #506 y Toledo
La Floresta, Quito. ECUADOR
South America
Tel: 593-2-2226958
e-mail: pete@peteoxford.com
www.peteoxford.com
