What are some of Portugal's animals?

Answer 1

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) are two of Portugal's important animals. Both are native to the Iberian Peninsula. Before the 20th century they were widespread throughout the peninsula.

But the Iberian lynx nowadays is considered the world's most endangered cat species. SOS Lynx is based in Monchique, in the Algarve Region in southern Portugal. One reason for the location choice is the regional role and reputation of the lynx as the "Tiger of the Algarve". The organization promotes the lynx's conservation. The organization indicates that the vanishing of this species would be the first feline extinction since the saber-toothed tiger (Smilodon) died out 10,000 years ago.

The Iberian wolf has been protected by law in Portugal since 1988. The Iberian Wolf Recovery Center (Centro de Recuperação do Lobo Ibérico, CRLI) was established in 1987 to provide a haven for injured wolves. It is located northwest of Lisbon in the parish (frequesia) of Gradil in the Lisbon Region.

The Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural da Serra da Malcata) is in the Central Region. It is one of the locations in Portugal where the Iberian lynx and the Iberian wolf roam freely.