Iberian Lynx

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered of the world’s thirty-six species of cats. Archaeological findings from thousands of years ago indicate that the lynx was quite a common animal in Spain. The Iberians, the original inhabitants of Spain, worshiped animistic gods, that is, supernatural spirits found in trees, rocks, plants, and animals. They believed the lynx had supernatural powers, including the ability to see through objects.

The decline of the lynx has not been gradual. There are hardly any lynx left in northern Spain and only a few in southern Spain. Their demise has been due to modernization and development that have destroyed their habitats. Another very important factor has been the decimation of their favorite prey, the rabbit, wiped out to a great degree by a series of diseases.