STORY: Expert hails reappearance of rare Iberian lynx in Spanish capital
DATELINE: July 6, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:36
LOCATION: Madrid
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Iberian lynxes at a breeding center in Spain
2. various of the Iberian lynx spotted in Sevilla La Nueva
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): LUIS SUAREZ, WWF Conservation Coordinator
4. various of Iberian lynxes at Andalucia region
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): LUIS SUAREZ, WWF Conservation Coordinator
6. various of Iberian lynxes at Andalucia region

STORYLINE:

Experts and authorities have positively assessed the reappearance of the critically endangered Iberian lynx in the Spanish capital, as they are studying how to reintroduce the feline in the community of Madrid.

In mid-June, a resident of Sevilla la Nueva in Madrid managed to capture on camera images of an Iberian lynx, making it the first sighting of the wild cat in 30 years in the community of Madrid.

The last time an Iberian lynx was spotted in this area was in 1993.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): LUIS SUAREZ, WWF Conservation Coordinator
"The appearance of Iberian lynx in the community of Madrid is very good news and is a consequence of the population increase in Montes de Toledo, the locality that is very close."

The Iberian lynx is the world's most endangered feline, and the only breeding populations are both in southern Spain.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Spain is working to guarantee that the species is not in danger of extinction.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): LUIS SUAREZ, WWF Conservation Coordinator
"To achieve this, it is essential to continue reducing threats, such as roadkill, ecotourism or the lack of its main prey, the wild rabbit, and to continue preparing new territories, for example, in the community of Madrid, where new populations can be created."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Madrid.
(XHTV)