The Iberian Lynx Conservation Action Plan (PACLIP 2026–2030) has been approved through an order published today in the Diário da República, Portugal’s official gazette. In a statement, the Ministry of Environment said the plan marks a new phase in conservation efforts, focusing on consolidating existing populations and supporting the expansion of suitable habitats.
Measures include enhanced monitoring, action to reduce causes of avoidable death, particularly road traffic collisions, the recovery of wild rabbit populations, the lynx’s main prey, and improved ecological connectivity between territories, “allowing the species to move freely and expand naturally”.
The Ministry said the plan covers mainland Portugal, with a particular focus on the Baixo Alentejo and Algarve regions, as well as areas with potential for the species to expand into, including the Serra da Malcata mountain range.
Under the order, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) must submit a proposal by 31 December of this year for a support and compensation scheme covering damage associated with the presence of Iberian lynxes. The aim is to prevent conflicts with landowners, farmers, and livestock breeders.
The plan has total funding of €5 million through to 2030. This includes an annual allocation of €650,000 from the Environmental Fund to implement the planned conservation measures, alongside €350,000 a year for ex-situ conservation, efforts to protect the species outside its natural habitat, under a cooperation agreement between the ICNF and Águas do Algarve.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are also planned, including six-monthly reports to the government and a mid-term assessment in 2028.
There are currently 394 Iberian lynxes known to be living in the country, making the species one of Portugal’s most significant nature conservation success stories. Back in 2001, just 94-100 Iberian lynxes remained in the wild worldwide. The National Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre (CNRLI), located in Silves, is Portugal’s national centre for breeding Iberian lynxes, and has played a fundamental part in efforts to save the species from extinction.
Source: LUSA
Photo credit: Sul Informação
