Lightning, a male Iberian lynx, has just turned six years old, with a body length of 95CM, shoulder height of 57CM, and weighing 17.6 kilograms, his coat is reddish-brown with dense black spots.
In terms of appearance, he ranks among the top five handsome lynxes within the breeding center's two hundred plus lynxes.
When Lightning was two, Matil was just born. They lived close to each other, and it could be said that Matil grew up under Lightning's watch.
Before Matil left her mother's side, Lightning was selected to be released into the wild, along with another male lynx.
Yes, the very same unfortunate cat that died not long afterward.
Originally, everyone thought Lightning had also died, but unexpectedly, Matil managed to catch its scent.
"In the vicinity of the gully where I was chasing that big fellow," Matil licked her fur, somewhat unsure, "It seems like it's in the mood, I smelled its intentionally left scent, along with a scent from another male."
Chen Ying was slightly surprised; there shouldn't be any other Iberian lynxes in these mountains, right?
No, it actually seems possible.
He recalled the latest report he found on the way here, which said that a small lynx population of about ten or so, mainly cubs, was discovered on a private estate slightly to the north.
Perhaps it was formed by the southward expansion of the population or by lynxes released in the southern forests, roaming to the eastern forests of the Pyrenees.
Anyway, the increase in wild populations is welcomed; it means that this species won't face extinction in the short term, giving humans time to make changes.
With over two male Iberian lynxes and the newly released female lynxes like Matil, maybe in a few years, the Cat Gang of this mountain range can be established.
The lynx's mating season starts in winter, peaking in January, and until June, there might be cubs born.
Chen Ying rubbed his chin, his mind racing; if he remembers correctly, besides their research base, Portugal also has a breeding research center where three female Iberian lynxes are ready to join the ecological harmony.
The research center in Western Country should also have one, but their primary goal is to develop the Iberian lynx population in the southern region.
This matter should be communicated with the mentor at the monitoring station; the possibility of success is greater.
For now, the issue with Lightning needs to be resolved. Matil specifically came to him, probably wanting him to join in finding Lightning.
But why does he need to accompany? Can't she go on her own?
Chen Ying looked down at Matil; the beautiful lynx big cat was looking around but refused to meet Chen Ying's gaze.
"You little rascal," Chen Ying rubbed Matil's head fiercely, "Not tonight, let me discuss it with a companion, I'll accompany you tomorrow to look."
If he's to accompany Matil in searching for Lightning, he'll need another person to accompany his companion, or find someone to safely escort the companion away.
Monitoring team members journeying alone in the forest overnight is too dangerous, especially as the area they are about to enter is the steepest part of the Central Mountain Range which probably hosts Eurasian lynxes.
Chen Ying actually wants to walk this path, to inspect if there is truly a population of Eurasian lynxes, but it's evident Matil is eager and has made her biggest concession by agreeing to wait until tomorrow.
Fortunately, their luck is good; after emergency contact, it was learned that there's a scientific team observing Eurasian wildcats nearby, allowing the monitor companion to join their activities and return to the monitoring station's location in approximately five days.
Chen Ying was not alone in action here; within 24 hours, a three-person vanguard team would arrive, and over the next three to five days, based on their four-person survey results, it would be decided whether to release three other adult females and two sub-adult male lynxes here.
Although the ivory Iberian lynx population has increased in the past two years, research shows their genetics have declined, likely due to over-concentrated habitats leading to excessive inbreeding among solitary populations.
Human-bred Iberian lynxes have avoided inbreeding within three generations as much as possible; releasing them near another population can effectively improve the degeneration of genetics.
However, whether this forest can support such a large number of lynxes still requires further research, luckily an international organization has already provided funds for a three-year food delivery program.
After receiving the response, Chen Ying parted with his companion, walking alone with Matil back.
Matil led him to a place diverging slightly from their previous path; the evening stop was near shrubs on a slope with a natural cave under a huge rock, about seven or eight meters deep and twenty-plus meters wide.
The lowest point just allowed a person to sit with their head pressed, the highest point is about seven or eight meters.
On the right side of the cave, a spring dripped downward, with the stone below eroded into a recess about two fists wide, placing a hand inside the water just covered the wrist.
The overflowing water soaked the ground through cracks, making the soil here softer and more moist than other areas.
Chen Ying managed to persuade Matil to wait until he set up the tent, and finally the other three arrived.
Upon seeing Matil, the three froze, retreating subconsciously.