Research overview: Mediterranean aridification and Iberian lynx habitat

The Iberian lynx inhabits Mediterranean scrub and dehesa woodland in a region projected to become hotter and drier. This overview surveys how aridification, increased fire frequency, and shifting vegetation could degrade the dense cover and rabbit-supporting mosaic the lynx requires, and how habitat models translate these climate trends into projected suitability change. It reviews the interaction of climate with agricultural abandonment, afforestation, and land management across the lynx's Iberian range. The synthesis explains why southern Iberia may become marginal for the species while areas farther north or at higher elevation gain importance, motivating the climate-informed, forward-looking translocation strategy that now guides lynx recovery.