Iberian Lynx National Reproduction Center

Category: Nature > Protected Area

District: Faro > Silves > São Bartolomeu de Messines > Cercados do Lince Ibérico

Location

The National Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre is located in the Algarve region, near the town of São Bartolomeu de Messines, which belongs to the municipality of Silves. This facility is situated within an area known as the "Iberian Lynx Enclosures". The surroundings are distinctly rural, characterized by a natural and tranquil landscape, offering ideal conditions for the conservation work of such a sensitive species.

The Mission of a Feline

Inaugurated in 2009, the National Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre plays a fundamental role in the preservation of one of the world's most endangered felines: the Iberian lynx. Its creation represented a vital milestone in the joint effort of Portugal and Spain to rescue this species from imminent extinction, at a time when fewer than a hundred specimens were counted in the wild.

The centre integrates an Iberian network of facilities dedicated to captive breeding. Here, a specialized team works on the genetic management of the population, ensuring its diversity and adaptability, with the main objective of preparing the lynxes for future reintroduction into their natural habitat. This silent and dedicated work is essential for the success of the conservation program.

A Cradle for the Iberian Lynx

Since its opening, the centre has been a crucial cradle for the birth of new generations of Iberian lynxes. Over the years, hundreds of cubs have seen the light of day in these facilities, and many of them have subsequently been released into various areas of the Iberian Peninsula. This direct contribution has been decisive for the remarkable increase in the wild Iberian lynx population, a conservation success recognized internationally.

Each birth and each reintroduction symbolize a step forward in the recovery of the species. The rigorous monitoring work and the exchange of animals with other similar centres in the Iberian Peninsula ensure the vitality of the program, allowing nature to welcome these magnificent felines once again.

A Sustained Commitment

The National Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre is a living testament to the Iberian society's commitment to biodiversity. It represents the hope that, with science and dedication, it is possible to reverse situations of grave threat to species. The centre's resilience was demonstrated, for example, in 2018, when, after a fire in the region, the lynxes were temporarily evacuated, but the facilities were quickly rehabilitated for their return, reinforcing the program's continuity and success.

This location embodies a continuous and long-term effort, focused on the sustainability of the Iberian lynx population. Its existence underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation and scientific research for the protection of wildlife and their ecosystems.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt