About

• The Iberian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat, similar in size to the Eurasian lynx but smaller than the North American lynx. 
• It has a distinctive appearance, with a short, stubby tail, and distinctive black tufts of hair on the tips of its ears. 
• The coat of the Iberian lynx varies in color from reddish-brown to grayish-brown, with dark spots. 
• Males are larger than females.
• They have powerful legs and sharp claws that are adapted for hunting small prey like rabbits.

Geographical distribution

• The Iberian lynx inhabits Mediterranean scrubland, oak and cork oak forests, and grasslands in the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, specifically in southern Spain.

Conservation status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

Why in News?

• International lynx day (June 11) was recently celebrated and Iberia has helped revive Iberian Lynx from the threat of extinction.