The Iberian lynx is the only large carnivore endemic to the Iberian Peninsula
. Since the 70`s
LPN has been involved in activities directed towards this species preservation, with a highlight to the “Let's save the lynx and Malcata`s Mountain
The Iberian lynx is classified as a critically endangered
species since 2004, and its survival depends mostly on habitat conditions. Portugal still has some natural areas with favourable characteristics for this species existence; however, there are others where habitat and feeding quality level can be improved, increasing lynx’s existence conditions amongst national territory.
Only an immediate intervention will be able to stop the Iberian lynx’s extinction process
. In a response to this appeal, LPN (Liga para a Protecção da Natureza
)and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) created the Lynx Programme
, which includes, among others, the LIFE Project Lince Moura/Barrancos.
The Lynx Programme
The Lynx Programme is the result of a collaboration between two organizations
, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and Liga para a Protecção da Natureza
(LPN), and it is based in LPN's headquarters. The Lynx Programme acts according to the priorities established in both the Portuguese Action Plan for the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx (ICNB) and the European Action Plan for the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx (IUCN).
The Lynx Programme intends to contribute to the development of alternative ways of preserving the several components of the Mediterranean forest
(e.g. scrublands, cork oak and holm oak woodlands, riparian forest) and local wild rabbit populations, given the fact that these are the two fundamental axes to this feline’s existence within Portugal. The Lynx Programme’s base is to develop its work with local, regional and national actors, such as hunters, farmers, politicians, investigators and other public and private entities.
The Programme focuses its activities in some of the areas where this species historically occurred and in the ecological corridors between high priority areas, from Algarve to the frontier borders of Alentejo which connect to Sierra Morena
The Programme intervenes, since 2004, in the Natura 2000 Network Sites of Moura/Barrancos, in Alentejo, and of Caldeirão, in Algarve
, with the potential to expand to other neighbouring areas. The work developed within the Programme’s scope allowed LPN to apply to LIFE – Nature funding, in order to intensify its actions within Moura/Barrancos Site – the LIFE Project Lince Moura/Barrancos is running since October 2006.