Research overview: the Iberian lynx captive breeding program

The Iberian lynx captive breeding program is widely cited as a conservation success that helped reverse the species' decline toward extinction. This overview surveys the program's establishment, its genetically managed breeding to preserve the diversity of a tiny founder base, and its role in producing animals for reintroduction. It reviews the integration of veterinary care, reproductive monitoring, disease management, and behavioral preparation for release. The review connects captive breeding to the broader recovery strategy that combined habitat protection, prey restoration, and reintroduction. Understanding the Iberian lynx program illustrates how a well-coordinated captive effort, grounded in reproductive and genetic science, can contribute decisively to the recovery of a critically endangered felid.