The Iberian lynx inhabits specific territories in southwestern Spain and in southeastern Portugal.
Why:
1. Habitat: The Iberian lynx prefers Mediterranean scrubland, characterized by dense shrub cover and a mix of open areas and wooded patches. These habitats provide abundant prey (primarily rabbits) and suitable denning sites for the lynx.
2. Climate: The lynx is adapted to the warm and dry climate of the Mediterranean region. The lynx exhibits a nocturnal lifestyle and is less active during the warmer seasons, seeking shelter in vegetation or underground burrows.
3. Prey Availability: The abundance of rabbits in these regions is crucial for the survival of the Iberian lynx. Rabbits constitute the vast majority of the lynx's diet, and the lynx's hunting strategies and population density are strongly linked to rabbit availability.
4. Low Competition: The Iberian lynx faces minimal competition from other large predators in its range. The absence of species like wolves and bears reduces competition for food resources and helps maintain the lynx's ecological niche.
5. Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives have played a vital role in the survival and recovery of the Iberian lynx. Protected areas, captive breeding programs, and habitat restoration projects have helped stabilize and increase the lynx population in recent decades.