Breeding first for Iberian lynxes born in captivity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Three Iberian lynxes have been born at a Spanish nature reserve, the first time the species has successfully bred in captivity. The births mark what scientists call a "historic turning point" in efforts to save the endangered species from extinction.
Three Iberian lynxes have been born at a Spanish nature reserve, the first time the species has successfully bred in captivity. The births mark what scientists call a "historic turning point" in efforts to save the endangered species from extinction.
The birth appears to vindicate an ambitious programme of captive breeding launched in Spain's Coto Doñana nature reserve two years ago. Only 150 Iberian lynxes remain in the wild, in two colonies in Andalusia and Portugal.
Numbers of the cat, noted for its long, tufted ears, have fallen in recent years because disease has killed the rabbits on which they prey and because many are run over by motorists.
The three lynx kittens were born in a 2,200 square metre enclosure where their parents have lived since 2003. Scientists filmed the birth and monitor the litter round the clock, but have not approached close enough to establish the kittens' sex.
The mother, Sielaga, was enthusiastically feeding and licking her kittens, scientists said. "It is a scientific and ecological success," Fuensanta Coves, Andalusia's regional environment minister, said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments