Iberian Lynx Has the Dubious Distinction of Being Most Endangered Cat

There are only about 100-150 Iberian Lynx left in the world. These beautiful cats are found only in Spain and are the most endangered cat species in the world due to their small numbers. Before the finding of a new population, there were only 2 known populations and they were located in Spain's Donñana National Park. Unfortunately, several of those are killed each year by motorists driving through the park on a highway.

Now a population has been found in northern Spain. Not only is it exciting to add more numbers. The different location may lend to better conservation efforts and it will serve to introduce a new gene pool. When you have isolated animals, the gene pool grows weaker due to inbreeding. There are more birth defects and the animals have a harder time fighting off disease. There is also hope that the new population are in an area more suited to conservation.

Hat tip: National Geographic News