ICNF U-turn keeps Iberian lynx centre management team in place – Portugal Resident
Portugal’s nature authority has backtracked on controversial plans to replace the specialist team running the Iberian lynx breeding centre in Silves, opting instead to keep the current staff in place for at least another 14 months.
The Institute of Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF) confirmed it has awarded a new service contract to the existing operator of the National Iberian Lynx Breeding Centre (CNRLI), ensuring continuity at the facility and avoiding the abrupt management shake-up originally scheduled for this Monday (June 1).
The decision also covers the associated lynx training and recovery centre and field support linked to Portugal’s lynx conservation programme.
Officials say the move will guarantee operational stability during a “particularly critical period” for the care of cubs expected to be born in 2027. As part of the deal, the management team is also set to draw up a future management model for the centre.
The reversal follows weeks of growing controversy after it emerged that ICNF had initially planned to remove the long-standing technical team and install new leadership, triggering alarm among environmental groups.
Critics warned that the sudden change risked destabilising a programme widely regarded as one of Europe’s most successful wildlife recovery efforts.
The current team has worked at the Silves centre for 16 years, contributing to the birth of more than 180 Iberian lynx and the reintroduction of over 100 animals into the wild – a turnaround that helped pull the species back from the brink of extinction.
Environmental organisations, political parties and Spanish programme partners all raised concerns over the proposed overhaul, with fears that specialist expertise built up over decades could be lost overnight.
The controversy even reached parliament, prompting calls for clarification from government officials and increasing pressure on the environment ministry.
The pressure paid off, as ICNF is keeping the current team in place for the time being.
/catracalivre.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/freepik-imagem-realista-de-um-pote-de-mscara-capilar-abert-99910.jpeg?w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "O tratamento que devolve elasticidade e renova seu cabelo")
