This latest lynx to be released into the wild as part of a repopulation programme for Portugal and Spain was named Macela after the commonly-found perennial.
The name was chosen by the locals of Mértola, in south-eastern Portugal, where the female was released into the Guadiana Valley Natural Park on Monday (8 February).
Macela was born in captivity at a breeding centre in Silves (Algarve) in 2015.
A statement from the Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) explained that “the lynxes intended for reintroduction to the wild have no direct contact with the handlers, only with other lynxes, so they don’t become accustomed to humans.
“The development and evolution of their natural behaviour is observed by video surveillance and their ability to hunt rabbit is evaluated before release.”
Macela integrates with a group of Iberian lynxes who are already settled in Mértola and is one of nine of the formerly-endangered cats to be released this year.
The reintroduction programme is long-term and requires the regular reinforcement of released animals for the population to become viable and self-sustainable.
All being well Macela, a young female, should find a mate and have cubs by spring 2019.