Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are European rabbits so important to Iberian lynx survival?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) — lynx Also known as the Spanish lynx or the Pardel lynx, the species bears a strong resemblance to the Eurasian lynx (*Lynx lynx*), but it may be distinguished by its smaller size; short, dark-tipped tail; and the presence of long, white, beardlike fur under its chin.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is essential to the survival of the Iberian lynx because it serves as the cat's primary food source, constituting 80 to 100 percent of its diet. An adult lynx typically consumes one rabbit per day, while a female with kittens may require up to three.1

The reliance on this single prey species creates a direct link between the health of rabbit populations and the stability of the lynx population. In the late 20th century, the Iberian lynx population suffered significant declines due to outbreaks of diseases like myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease, which decimated rabbit numbers. Because the lynx is a specialist predator, the loss of its main prey directly threatened its survival, contributing to its classification as critically endangered in the early 2000s. Consequently, modern conservation efforts prioritize increasing European rabbit populations to ensure the continued recovery and long-term viability of the Iberian lynx.12