Spanish Lynx Lynx pardinus
Credit:BIG CATS ONLINE

To some the Spanish lynx is not a valid species but a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx. However, it is a relatively small representative of its kind- 0.85-1.1m in length and 15-20kg in weight. Its yellow/brown coat is comparatively light in color and the spotted markings are small, but very dark and noticeable.

The main prey of the Spanish lynx are rodents, hare and rabbit, and also deer and wildwolf.

Lynx pardinus is threatened with extinction in its wild habitat. Hunted heavily for its coat and as a predator of livestock, it is extremely rare. The Spanish lynx is found in the Cota Donana reserve on the Iberian peninsula, in the south of Spain and in very isolated parts of Portugal. Although the animal is protected by the law in the reserve, it is still legal to hunt it elsewhere. The Spanish lynx is listed in CITES Appendix1.