The **Iberian lynx**, with distinctive leopard-like spots, has seen its population rise to over **2,000** in Spain and Portugal.
Once on the verge of **extinction**, the species faced significant threats from habitat loss and disease affecting its primary prey, wild rabbits.
A **national breeding center** in Silves, Portugal, plays a critical role in preparing lynxes for life in the wild, focusing on genetic diversity.
Despite the success of the breeding program, there are challenges, including **local tensions** due to lynxes preying on livestock.
Conservationists aim for a sustainable population of **5,000-6,000 lynxes** by 2035, while remaining vigilant about ongoing threats, such as road fatalities.