Research overview: road mortality in the Iberian lynx

As Iberian lynx populations expanded into landscapes crossed by roads, vehicle collisions became a leading cause of death, threatening to offset gains from breeding and reintroduction. This overview surveys research mapping road-kill hotspots, identifying the road and landscape features that elevate risk, and evaluating mitigation. Studies link mortality to dispersal across fragmented terrain, where young lynx seeking new territories must cross dangerous infrastructure. Researchers assessed measures including wildlife crossings, fencing to funnel animals to safe passages, speed reduction, and warning systems. Because the population remains small, every road death matters demographically, making mitigation a priority for managers. The overview frames road mortality as a persistent threat accompanying recovery, illustrating how expanding a cat into a human-dominated landscape introduces new sources of loss. Sustained investment in road mitigation is integral to securing the lynx's continued growth.