A rare white Iberian lynx, dubbed the "white ghost of the Mediterranean forest," has been captured on film in Spain, sparking excitement among wildlife enthusiasts and prompting scientific investigation. The remarkable sighting was made by amateur photographer Ángel Hidalgo near Jaén, in southern Spain.
The 'White Ghost' Emerges
Hidalgo initially spotted the lynx on a camera trap he had set up in a wooded area. The brief glimpse of a white-coated, dark-spotted lynx fueled his determination to capture a clearer image. After weeks of dedication, braving rainy nights and near-despair, his patience paid off.
"When I saw a 'white Iberian lynx' for the first time, with its snow-white winter coat and piercing eyes, I was transfixed. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing," Hidalgo shared on social media.
A Social Media Sensation
Hidalgo's images and videos have gone viral, with media outlets initially reporting it as the first time a white lynx had been documented on camera. The unique coloration has captivated the internet, with Hidalgo's Instagram post receiving thousands of likes and a local news video garnering tens of thousands of views.
Leucism or Environmental Factors?
While early reports suggested the four-year-old female lynx, named Satureja, had leucism – a genetic condition causing partial loss of pigmentation – scientists are investigating whether environmental factors might be responsible for her unusual white fur. Experts suggest the lynx may have been born with typical brown and black fur that lightened due to environmental stressors.
Javier Salcedo, the coordinator of the EU-funded LIFE Lynx-Connect project, confirmed that the animal was known to researchers and that its unusual coloring was being studied.
A Conservation Success Story
The Iberian lynx, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, was once on the brink of extinction, with its population dwindling to less than 100 just two decades ago. Intensive conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery. The sighting of this rare white lynx underscores the success of these initiatives and highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.
- The white Iberian lynx was captured on camera by Ángel Hidalgo.
- Scientists are investigating the cause of the lynx's white fur.
- The sighting highlights the conservation success of the Iberian lynx.