The Iberian Lynx is currently one of the most endangered wild cat species in the world. Less abundant than the mythical Snow Leopard, the Iberian Lynx has an estimated wild population of just over 1 000 individuals across Portugal and Spain. Thanks to the incredible conservation work that the Spanish authorities and landowners are doing to preserve the species, the once critically endangered cat population has rebounded from a mere 94 at the turn of the 21^st century!

Exclusively populating the beautiful Mediterranean forest landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, it favours a mixture of dense scrub for shelter and open pasture for hunting. Whilst primarily reliant on wild rabbits for food, it is also known to consume ducks, young deer and partridges if rabbit densities are low. While an adult Iberian Lynx requires about one rabbit a day, a mother raising her young needs to catch about 3.

Conservation efforts aimed at restoring the cat’s habitat is also of benefit to a number of other species, including various raptors such as Spanish Imperial and Bonelli’s Eagles', Griffon and Cinereous Vultures.

We will spend a number of days at perhaps the best place to see this incredible species, the Sierra de Andújar - one of Spain's most beautiful and biodiverse protected areas. Aside from hosting some of the best-preserved Iberian Oak forests and the largest Iberian Lynx population in Spain, a number of other sought after mammal species occur here, such as Iberian Ibex, Mouflon and the southernmost Eurasian Wolf population.

This Birds and More tour is designed as a relaxed sojourn through rural Spain, enjoying a great diversity of birds, interesting mammals, Spain’s 2000 year old wine tradition, superb food and picturesque landscapes.