Iberian wildlife conservation and population trends

Research in northwestern Portugal has identified a trend of trophic specialization in Iberian wolves, which are increasingly targeting Garranos horses as a preferred prey source. Using forensic DNA analysis and GPS telemetry, researchers identified specific predated individuals, a method noted as only the second successful global application of such non-invasive techniques.

In a broader context of Iberian wildlife recovery, the Iberian lynx population has reached a historic high of 2,663 individuals, marking a nearly 95% increase since 2021. While most lynx are concentrated in Spain, Portugal has recorded 394 individuals. Concurrently, conservation efforts for the Iberian wolf continue in Portugal through the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center (CRLI), which provides care for injured or illegally captive wolves to promote species survival and public awareness.

Recent census data reveals diverging population trends for the Iberian wolf across the peninsula. In Spain, the species shows signs of stability and moderate expansion; the national census for 2021-2024 recorded 333 breeding packs, a 12% increase from the 297 packs identified during 2012-2014. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition reports stabilized populations in historical regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Castilla y León.

Conversely, the outlook in Portugal is more challenging. The Portuguese National Wolf Census for 2019-2021 estimated the population at approximately 300 individuals across 58 packs, with 51 located north of the Douro River. Data indicates an unfavorable population trend and a reduction in the species’ distribution area within Portugal.