An all-white Iberian lynx was recently recorded by a photographer in Jaén, Spain, marking the first known sighting of the rare lynx.
According to The New York Post, the all-white Iberian lynx was recorded in the mountainous region of Andalusia’s Jaén province on October 22 by Ángel Hidalgo, a 29-year-old photographer. According to NDTV, the Iberian lynx almost went extinct, as experts estimated that there were fewer than 100 Iberian lynxes left in 2022. However, the population has increased to roughly 2,000 as of this year.
In the video recorded by Hidalgo, the all-white Iberian lynx can be seen with the typical features of the lynx, including a facial ruff, dark ear tufts, and sharp eyes, according to NDTV.
Sharing the video on X, formerly Twitter, Breaking 911 wrote, “A photographer in southern Spain captured what is believed to be the first-ever white Iberian lynx, a leucistic big cat so rare it seems almost mythical. Already one of the world’s rarest cats, the Iberian lynx was pulled back from the brink of extinction after its population fell below 100 two decades ago.”
In a statement obtained by NDTV, Hidalgo said, “I’ve been setting up cameras for years, with many failed attempts and long hours of work. But this time, nature gave me something truly unique.”
NDTV reported that experts who reviewed the video confirmed that the all-white Iberian lynx has a rare genetic condition called leucism, which has caused the animal to lose its pigment. The outlet noted that leucism is different than albinism because it does not affect eye pigmentation and still allows animals to have a healthy development.
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According to National Geographic España, Hidalgo told the outlet that he put up a camera trap roughly a month ago and discovered a glowing, white shape in his camera footage.
“I thought it was a camera effect,” Hidalgo said. “And from then on, I dedicated myself to the search for the lynx. I’m still in shock.”
In a post on Instagram obtained by The New York Post, Hidalgo explained how he eventually spotted the Iberian lynx after searching for weeks.
“One ugly morning, after a night of rain, I was walking like so many other times, when suddenly I saw in the distance a white shape that seemed to radiate its own light,” Hidalgo stated.
“Meeting this feline made me think about the importance of protecting nature,” Hidalgo added. “I hope this story inspires others to appreciate the beauty around us.”
