Species saviour dies at the age of 20

The Iberian lynx, whose genes contributed to around 900 wild cats, recently died in Spain at the age of 20.

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered cat in the world. Only a few people have ever seen Iberian lynxes in the wild. It is not only one of the rarest but also one of the most difficult to find cat species in the world, living in some of the wildest and most remote regions of Spain.

Aura, a female Iberian lynx who helped save her species from extinction and whose genes live on in over 900 of the spotted, tufted-eared cats, has died at the record-breaking age of 20 in southern Spain.

In 2002, the year Aura was born in the Doñana National Park in Andalusia, only 94 Iberian lynxes remained on the peninsula. The wildlife had been pushed to the brink of extinction due to decades of recreational hunting, a significant decline in rabbit populations caused by rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, as well as human encroachment.

Today, thanks to an ongoing breeding and conservation programme, more than 1’300 such lynxes exist once again.

A dynasty through 14 cubs

When Aura was captured and taken into the groundbreaking ex-situ conservation programme for the Iberian lynx, she was only three weeks old and weighed just 702 g. Aura played a crucial role in reversing the decline of the lynx. Over the course of her 20 years, she gave birth to 14 young, with whom she established an impressive dynasty.

Antonio Rivas, who runs the El Acebuche breeding centre in Huelva, said that the species was on the verge of extinction when she was born. Aura lived in the Andalusian province of Huelva.

Rivas added that there were 14 population centers and 1’365 wild animals when Aura died 20 years later. “She did a tremendous job and left an incredible legacy.”

Even if it had not been an easy decision to take young lynxes from their natural habitat and breed them in captivity, it had definitely been worth it, he continued.

Aura, the grumpy lynx

Rivas recalls that Aura was a little grumpy because she had to compete with Saliega, another female lynx who became famous for being the first lynx to have a litter in captivity.

Aura was somewhat grumpier and more aggressive than Saliega when she had her first litter a few years later. Nevertheless, Aura was a magnificent animal who took excellent care of her litter.

Rivas claimed that Aura was always open about her birthing preferences and had rejected the center’s personalized birthing dens.

The grumpy lynx, according to Rivas, preferred to give birth in the wild. She needed the peace and quiet and the opportunity to experience the freshness and warmth of the morning. On one occasion when she gave birth, it was pouring with rain, and the team had to erect a shelter out of concern for the litter. “She had a strong personality and was extremely demanding. Even so, she was fantastic.”

Iberian lynx as ambassador in retirement

Aura was the longest-lived known Iberian lynx when she died at the age of 20 years and 6 months. In the wild, these cats normally live to around 15 years of age.

According to Rivas, the lynx was brought to a place where the public can see and observe her and learn about lynxes and the importance of protecting wildlife and natural areas, when the lynx stopped giving birth to young in 2018.

In the final years of her life, she enjoyed retirement as an ambassador. Until the very end, she advocated for the protection of the Iberian lynx, reports The Guardian. Aura’s story shows that species conservation without hobby hunters is possible.