Of all the Big Cats, the Iberian Lynx is closest to extinction. The Iberian Lynx is critically endangered and is the world's most endangered cat species.

Once common throughout the Iberian Peninsula and into the south of France, there are now estimated to be about 100 remaining as two isolated breeding populations in Spain. Donana in the south-west of Spain, and Sierra de Andujar in Sierra Morena (south of Madrid).

Europe is home to two species of lynx, the Iberian and the Eurasian. Iberian Lynxes are about half the size of their Eurasian counterparts, dark yellow or brown in colour, heavily spotted, with long legs, very short tails and distinctive black ear tufts. Despite their poor performance as runners, they are highly efficient hunters, with keen eyesight and a powerful sense of smell that enables them to detect their prey at distances of up to 300m. Their favoured habitat is scrubland with scattered open areas. They are solitary animals except during the mating season and are most active at twilight. It is usual for three or four kittens to be born in April, and these will remain with their mother until the following spring.

The biggest threat to the Iberian Lynx was and still is posed by man. Ironically, it has been regarded both as an attractive hunting trophy and as vermin. Hunters prized its valuable fur and its meat, and although some landowners appreciate its tendency to keep fox and rabbit numbers down, most perceive it as a threat to their game populations. The Iberian Lynx was legally protected against hunting from the early 1970s, but they are still the victims of guns, traps and snares, particularly those set for other animals.

Rabbits form the main prey of the Iberian Lynx. Epidemics, such as myxamatosis, have affected rabbit populations over the years, which has in turn affected the Iberian Lynx population. Now, the key threats to their habitat and prey are changed farming methods, building development and roads. It is thought that between 1960 and 1990, the Iberian Lynx suffered an 80 per cent loss in its range. This, coupled with depleted prey populations, has fragmented the lynx into tiny communities, which raises fears for its genetic viability and resistance to disease.

The 'Big Cat Collection' wildlife design painted by Jean Sindelar portrays the gorgeous Iberian Lynx surrounded by red tulips and exotic vases by Ro London.

Big Cat Collection