World’s First ‘White Ghost’ Iberian Lynx Captured on Camera

A rare wildlife milestone has been recorded in Spain, as an amateur photographer captured the world’s first leucistic Iberian lynx, nicknamed the “white ghost.” This rare sighting highlights both a genetic wonder and the incredible recovery of a species once on the brink of extinction.

On October 22, Spanish photographer Ángel Hidalgo discovered the lynx while reviewing footage from one of his camera traps in the mountains of Jaén, southern Spain. The video shows the lynx with a striking pale cream coat and normally colored eyes, a condition called leucism.

Unlike albinism, leucism causes partial loss of pigmentation while preserving normal eye color and vision, making this lynx truly unique. 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.”

Conservation Success Story

The Iberian lynx population nearly went extinct two decades ago, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining. Intensive conservation programs, including breeding and habitat restoration, have helped the species rebound.

By 2023, the population grew to over 2,000 lynxes, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to change its status from “endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2024. The appearance of this leucistic lynx is another testament to the success of conservation efforts.

Global Excitement Among Conservationists

The sighting has sparked excitement worldwide among wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Experts say that while leucistic animals are extremely rare, such discoveries help raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of protecting their habitats.

Hidalgo’s footage has now become a symbol of hope, showing that careful conservation measures can bring even the rarest wildlife back from the edge of extinction.