The Iberian lynx populations are ever expanding which is fantastic news for the species, and the new generations are expanding into new territories across Spain and Portugal, recovering their historical range.

There is a rising number of road fatalities though, as these young and predominantly male lynxes look for a place to settle, with all that they need – abundant food and water and places to sleep out the majority of their lives and a partner to raise a family with. There is no doubt that there are far too may Iberian lynx killed on the roads of Spain and Portugal, but there are clearly defined ‘black spots’ where this happens currently making it straightforward – with funds and will to address.

And as these LIFE-Iberlince videos show lynxes will not only use safe passages – in this case drainage tunnels in Spain, but they will teach their young to use them too.

These cats are travelling, and with the success of the reintroduction programme they will keep on expanding across Spain and Portugal and they will continue to encounter the threats roads are to their search for a new home.

But with time we can cut down these brutal and unnecessary deaths on our roads, and build more more wildlife bridges to benefit all wildlife.

Wildlife bridges crossover the main roads so frequently on my travels through France, the country that pioneered them, see the short video above. There are plans for more in Spain, I hope to see as many popping up throughout the Iberian peninsular over the coming years as the Iberian lynx continues to reclaim it’s range. Showing that this apex predator is positive for Iberian wildlife as a whole and once more benefiting it’s broader environment, but this time with our help.