Lince Ibérico

Despite the fact that the Iberian lynx has been a protected species since 1966, this wonderful feline is in danger of extinction. At present, only two populations are viable and consolidated for the development and proliferation of this species: that of Doñana and that existing in the natural areas of the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park and the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, being in the latter area where finds the largest nucleus of the nail cat population.

To see a lynx in Andújar

To try to locate and observe an Iberian lynx, we must look for a good observatory from which we can see a lot of mountains, many slopes, rocks, scrub and above all, many clearings of grassland. Among the best areas to do a day of observation are:

Camino de la Lancha in its last section.

Encinarejo path and recreational area.

Encinarejo Reservoir from the north shore.

All the viewpoints in the southern part of the park.

Wild boar trail.

Recreational area of ??the straight in Lugar Nuevo. ?

Located in the observatory, it is essential to always be very attentive and in silence, so, even with the naked eye, we can distinguish a lynx moving if it is not too far away. We will also begin a sweep of the area using binoculars. With them we will go looking at the clearings and the projections of the land; thus, we can discover a cat perched on a rock. We must leave the telescope for the last search, to look further and search very slowly or even to look at the animal once we have discovered it.

As with almost all predators, corvids are also very aggressive towards the Iberian lynx (perhaps this is the animal with which they most fuss), so we have to be very aware of the movements and claims of the magpies. 50% of the success of observing a lynx can come from knowing how to interpret corvids.

For the good of the species and of future visitors looking to see the big cat, we must respect all the rules of public use, be respectful of the environment, always keep silent and not disturb the animals in any way. Nor should we enter privately owned farms without authorization or deviate from established trails.