DEADLY ROADS IN SPAIN See Alarming Number Of Iberian Lynx Killed By Road Traffic During 2019

REPORTS indicate that at least 35 Iberian lynx have been killed by road traffic in Spain in 2019.

The data has been provided by the WWF which also indicates that the highest number has been recorded in Andalusia where at least 23 lynx have been killed as a result of traffic incidents, representing a mortality rate of around 5 per cent.

The data comes as a blow after seeing a rise since 2018, a year that saw at least 27 lynx killed on Spanish roads, the second worst year in history.

The data, collected by the WWF and shared with Europa Press, indicates that despite the high number, it has not affected the population numbers which continue to grow in Spain and Portugal, with an estimated 150 born last year.

WWF conservation coordinator, Luis Suarez, has said the total population is estimated at between 820 and 830 individuals, which confirms that the “growing trend of the population is maintained and remains constant”.

Suarez does however highlight that there have been “occasional” cases of poaching throughout the year, both in Andalusia and in Castile-La Mancha, stressing that authorities need to be more aware of these cases.

As for the black spots on the roads, Suárez is pleased that progress has been made on the modifications to the A-4, Madrid-Seville, in the province of Seville, but informs that there are still pending actions to be undertaken on this highway at the height of Ciudad Real.

He also said that two accidents had occurred on the N-420 this year, but pointed out that the proceedings to modify that road are already underway.

To conclude, Suarez states that despite the accidents, the population in general continues to grow, an increase of 22.40 percent, according to his estimates.