Current Status Of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Eastern Sierra Morena, Southern Spain

The distribution range of the largest Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population of Eastern Sierra Morena was assessed between 1999 and 2006. The past distribution was evaluated using field interviews, the present range was determined by sign searching (scats) in 5x5 km and 1x1 km UTM quadrats, and the annual population size was estimated by camera-trapping. Our results indicate that lynx distribution has been limited to granite areas, and since the middle of the 20th century lynx occupation was detected in only 17 5x5 km UTM quadrats. An important decline in lynx numbers has been registered since the early 1990s, resulting in only 11 UTM 5x5 km occupied quadrats between 2001 and 2002, with two subpopulations separated by a 5 km distance occupying 3 and 8 quadrats each. Considering 1x1 km UTM quadrats, the distribution range increased from 125 km2 in 2002 to 203 km2 in 2006. Also, between 2002 and 2006 the number of female territories increased from 19 to 31. The population size was assessed since 2004, increasing from 84 detected individuals (32 adults) to 135 individuals in 2006 (43 adults). The positive dynamics observed during the study was partially related to the development of a major conservation program. The lynx distribution was correlated with rabbit distribution and abundance, therefore conservation measures must be based on rabbit management in order to recover habitat carrying capacity since the most important Iberian lynx population is still too small.