Banca March collaborates with the Junta de Extremadura in the release of two Iberian Lynx specimens
26 May 2022 Category: Sustainability
The lynx population in Extremadura now exceeds 200 specimens, which is a major milestone for a species that had been extinct since 2000.
- Two females just over a year old have been released in the Valdecigüeñas area.
- The lynx population in Extremadura currently exceeds 200 specimens.
- Banca March collaborates with the regional governments of Extremadura and Andalusia in the reintroduction of the Iberian lynx in both regions.
In collaboration with Banca March, the Regional Ministry for Ecological Transition and Sustainability of the Regional Government of Extremadura has released two new lynx bred in captivity in the reintroduction area of Valdecigüeñas, Badajoz. They are Serp and Sicilia, two females just over a year old, weighing 7.49 and 7.85 kilos respectively, from the El Acebuche lynx breeding centre (Doñana).
Both specimens were released using the "hard" release method, directly into the wild, on 22 February 2022. After this release, 4 females and 5 males of Iberian lynx have been counted in the area of Valdecigüeñas, a crucial stepping stone for the exchange of specimens and genetics with Andalusia.
Sonia Colino, Director of People, Brand and Sustainability at Banca March, who was present at the release, said: "Witnessing the release of these two specimens was really emotional. At Banca March, thanks to our century-old philosophy of joint growth for customers, employees, shareholders and society, we are committed to sustainability and care for the environment. We are committed to an integrated, sustainable and, at the same time, profitable business model for our customers. This initiative is in addition to others we have underway through our thematic solidarity fund Mediterranean Fund, which donates 10% of the management fee to projects related to the conservation of marine ecosystems. In this regard, we collaborate with Reforest Project in the collection of floating plastics that are transformed into polyester fabric to make blankets for the homeless; with the Oceanogràfic Foundation in the development of a cartographic study in the marine spaces of the Valencian coastline that will allow us to identify the area of posidonia meadows; and with the Palma Aquarium Foundation in a project aimed at preserving the biodiversity of the Mediterranean through the reproduction of seahorses".
The lynx population in Extremadura now exceeds 200 specimens, including cubs born in 2022, which is a major milestone for a species that had been extinct since 2000.
The Iberian lynx reintroduction programme in Extremadura began in 2014. Thanks to the collaboration of different administrations, companies, town councils, hunting federations, owners, managers, NGOs, Natural Environment agents, the Ministry (OAPN) and SEPRONA, it has been possible to move from the category of "critically endangered" to "endangered".
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