Iberian lynx population rises from 94 in 2002 to 2,663 in 2025
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The Iberian lynx population has grown from 94 individuals in 2002 to 2,663 in 2025, according to the latest Spanish-Portuguese census. The number of territorial females increased from 27 to 542 over the same period. The species now occupies 26 breeding nuclei across Spain and Portugal.
Key Facts
- In 2002, only 94 Iberian lynxes survived in two Andalusian pockets: 54 at Andújar and 40 at Doñana.
- The 2025 census counted 2,663 Iberian lynxes across 26 geographical nuclei in Spain and Portugal.
- Territorial females rose from 27 in 2002 to 542 in 2025.
- Spain holds 2,269 lynxes and Portugal 394, with 1,711 adults/subadults and 952 cubs.
2002 Bottleneck
In 2002, field teams accounted for 94 Iberian lynxes, all in Andalusia: 54 in Andújar and 40 in Doñana. WWF recorded only 27 reproductive females among those 94 animals. The two populations were isolated, with Doñana showing signs of inbreeding due to its small size and habitat fragmentation.
2025 Census Breakdown
The 2025 census, published by MITECO and ICNF, counted 2,663 Iberian lynxes across 26 nuclei. Spain accounted for 2,269 lynxes and Portugal for 394. Of the total, 1,711 were adults or subadults and 952 were cubs born in 2025. The number of territorial females reached 542, up from 27 in 2002.
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