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Iberian Lynx returns to Portugal 20 years after extinction

Azahar is the first of 16 lynx born in captivity to be handed over by Spain

Portugal has taken delivery of the first of 16 Iberian Lynx to be handed over by Spain for a captive breeding programme to be launched at a centre built in Silves, in the south of the country. Five year old Azahar, who was born in captivity in Spain and, until now, lived at the zoo in Jérez, became the first Iberian Lynx to step on Portuguese soil for 20 years when she arrived on Monday.

The threatened species became extinct in Spain’s neighbouring country at the end of the 1980s.

The reintroduction programme will see the remaining 15 lynx transferred to Portugal before the end of the year. The authorities there hope the agreement will in the future enable them to release animals born at their new breeding centre, and see the return of the Iberian Lynx to the wild.

El Mundo has confirmed that the first releases of lynx born in captivity in Spain are to take place in the Sierra Morena next year.

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