A Historical Observation
The images, released to the public in early September by the Association for the Defense of the Wolf and Bear in the Pyrenees (ADLO Pirineo), show the feline moving at night in the Catalan mountains. “This is a historic milestone for the conservation of sensitive wildlife in the Pyrenees,” highlights the association. The filmed lynx is a four-year-old male, named Secreto, originally from Sierra Morena in northern Andalusia. His journey, spanning several hundred kilometers, is considered exceptional for this species.
The animal was spotted at a 1,750 meters altitude, in an area rich in prey: hares, chamois, and kids. An analysis of his coat confirmed that he is indeed an Iberian lynx, and not a Eurasian lynx, which was once present in the Pyrenees but has been absent for several decades.
An Unexpected Return Bringing Hope for Biodiversity
For ADLO Pirineo, this presence opens up new perspectives. Some Pyrenean valleys, as well as areas in Aragon, could sustainably host the Iberian lynx. The association advocates for conservation programs and reminds us that this feline primarily feeds on rabbits, which helps naturally regulate their populations.
Long considered the most endangered cat in the world — with only 94 individuals left at the beginning of the 2000s — the Iberian lynx has benefited from rigorous protection programs in Spain and Portugal. Its numbers have since increased twentyfold. The appearance of Secreto in the Pyrenees marks a new milestone and illustrates, in the context of climate change, the resilience of nature.
volution possible of its distribution area.