Iberian Lynx No Longer Endangered After 20 Years of Conservation Efforts
The Iberian lynx has been downlisted from Endangered by the IUCN, following an incredible 20-year recovery.
AnimalsGNGV Editorial Team5 min readLast reviewed September 28, 2026
In one of conservation's greatest success stories, the Iberian lynx is no longer classified as endangered. The IUCN announced in 2024 that the species has been downlisted following an extraordinary recovery effort.
Through coordinated efforts between Spain and Portugal, including captive breeding, habitat restoration, and rabbit population recovery, the population has recovered.
"This is what conservation can achieve when governments, scientists, and communities work together," said the IUCN. The success offers hope for other endangered species facing similar challenges.
