Species: Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Genome size: Approximately 2.9 billion base pairs
The Iberian lynx is one of the most endangered felines in the world. The latest population decline occurred in the 20th century, when lynx numbers were reduced drastically to around 100 individuals. Conservation efforts over the last decade has brought their numbers up to over 300, but the animals still remain on the brink of extinction.
Although human activity is generally thought to be the primary cause of declining lynx populations, genetic factors can also contribute to species viability. In a study published last month (December 14) in Genome Biology, José Godoy of the Estación Biológica de Doñana in Spain and colleagues analysed the Iberian lynx’s genome, finding that it is among the ...
