Two decades ago, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) was in serious danger. With less than 100 specimens in the wild, the survival of this emblematic species hung in the balance. But on March 28, 2005, a key event took place in its conservation. At the Captive Breeding Center of El Acebuche (Huelva), the female Saliega gave birth to the first three cubs born within the framework of the ex-situ conservation program. The arrival of Heather, Brecina and Brisa into the world marked a milestone in the history of the recovery of the Iberian lynx.

The Ex-situ Conservation Programme for the Iberian lynx, promoted since 2003 by the Autonomous National Parks Agency (OAPN), under the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, had a clear objective: to preserve the genetic diversity of the Iberian lynx and guarantee its return to the wild. The birth of the first litter in captivity was the first step towards the consolidation of a viable population and the creation of a fundamental genetic reserve for its recovery.

In these 20 years, 291 cubs have been born in the centers of El Acebuche and Zarza de Granadilla (incorporated in 2011 to the program), contributing to the growth of wild populations in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Portugal.

Thanks to actions such as captive breeding, the reintroduction of specimens and the improvement of habitat, the Iberian lynx has gone from being “critically endangered” to the category of “vulnerable” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This achievement shows that, with effort, commitment and science, it is possible to reverse extreme situations and give biodiversity a second chance.

Today, the Iberian lynx is a symbol of success in biodiversity conservation, and its recovery continues to be a priority. Behind its current situation, there are years of work by scientific, technical and administrative teams that have managed to make this species, which was on the verge of extinction, now look to the future with optimism. And although there is still a long way to go, the history of the Iberian lynx is an example to follow for the conservation of many other species.