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A new population of the endangered Iberian lynx lives in a remote area of Spain.
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The Iberian lynx is one of the world’s most endangered species of cat, with only 100 to 150 of the animals living in the wild. A recent discovery of a population of the cats in a remote area of Spain, however, gives animal conservationists reason for excitement.
The international conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) located the population in the Castile la Mancha region of central Spain, National Geographic reports. “We are excited and amazed by this discovery,” said Luis Suarez, head of the WWF species program in Madrid.
The recently discovered cats comprise the third known population of Iberian lynx in the wild. The two other known populations live in remote areas of Andalusia in southern Spain. Scientists hope that the new population is genetically distinct from the other two populations, as such genetic diversity would help in conservation efforts.
Iberian lynx weigh up to 29 pounds, standing about 3 feet tall. The heavily spotted cats have long legs, short tails and fur around their faces that gives the appearance of a beard. The ears feature black tufts.