The most endangered species of cat will die out within the next 50 years according to researchers at the University of Copenhagen's Centre for Macroecology, Evolution, and Climate who claim climate change will cut off the Iberian Lynx's food supply.
Around $130 million has been spent to try protecting the remaining 250 Iberian Lynx currently in the wild. The species may be killed off however is experts start incorporating climate models into current biodiversity management programs according to expert Miguel Araujo.
"Our models show that the anticipated climate change will lead to a rapid and dramatic decline of the Iberian lynx and probably eradicate the species within 50 years, in spite of the present-day conservation efforts," Araujo, a professor, explained in a press statement to RedOrbit.com.
"The only two populations currently present, will not be able to spread out or adapt to the changes in time" he added. "Fortunately, it is not too late to improve the outlook for the endangered lynx, if the management plans begin to take account of climate change, Araujo added."
Poaching, a decrease in prey, new disease outbreaks, and loss of habitat have all played a role in the decline in lynx population. Efforts have been made to help the lynx like relocating them, trying to prevent diseases and reduce external threats.
All attempts at saving the lynx are "inadequate" according to Araujo's recent report.
The study, called "Nature Climate Change," discusses how global warming will affect the way all animals are able to live their lives and "carefully planned reintroductions" could increase certain species populations.
"In stark contrast, we also show that a carefully planned reintroduction program, accounting for the effects of climate change, prey abundance and habitat connectivity, could avert extinction of the lynx this century," said Araujo in his study according to DiscoveryNews.com.
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