Research overview: the Iberian lynx captive breeding program

A coordinated captive breeding program was a cornerstone of Iberian lynx recovery, producing animals for reintroduction while safeguarding genetic diversity. This overview surveys research underpinning the program, which developed husbandry, reproductive management, veterinary care, and pre-release conditioning at dedicated breeding centers in Spain and Portugal. Studies addressed challenges including reproductive physiology, disease management, behavioral preparation of cubs for life in the wild, and studbook-based genetic management to minimize inbreeding among founders. The program achieved reliable breeding and supplied the animals that established new wild populations through reintroduction. Researchers also tracked post-release survival to refine selection and preparation of release candidates. The overview frames captive breeding as a critical insurance and supply mechanism in the recovery, demonstrating how well-run ex situ programs, tightly integrated with in situ reintroduction, can rescue a felid from the brink and rebuild self-sustaining wild populations.