In a notable development within the municipality of Cabra, situated near the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, conservationists have successfully captured and tagged an adult female Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). This milestone comes as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and study the elusive species, which has recently been observed in the area.
Named Igabrum—a nod to the ancient Roman name of Cabra—the lynx had been sporadically sighted in the Subbética region since 2024. However, this marks the first time a lynx in these mountainous surroundings has been fitted with a radio-tracking collar, providing researchers with an unprecedented opportunity to gather detailed data.
Tracking the Iberian Lynx’s Expansion
The Andalusian Regional Government’s Department of Sustainability and Environment emphasized the significance of the collar, which will deliver vital insights into the lynx’s movements, habitat preferences, and travel routes. This information is particularly important for understanding how populations in Andalusia connect within this critical natural corridor.
Once on the brink of extinction, the Iberian lynx remains Europe’s most endangered feline species. Its gradual expansion into areas like the mountains around Cabra, where no confirmed presence had been recorded for decades, signals a positive shift in its distribution. The radio collar will now allow scientists to verify whether these mountain ecosystems are becoming integrated into the lynx’s emerging range.