Lapping Little Lynx..... This kitten is seen mirroring its mother as the pair drink together at a water hole. The Iberian Lynx were spotted in Sierra de Andujar, near Ciudad Real, 140 miles south of Madrid. Ricardo Bacchini said, "This is one of the two areas in the world where Iberian Lynx can be found. I took these from a group of hides that are partially underground, which allows for a ground level view of the animals, giving the photos an even greater impact." "Waiting in the hides can be long, and the heat makes the wait, in silence, require even more patience. On some days, the lynx do not approach the water holes, so the 8 hour wait only serves to temper patience. Finally seeing the lynx cubs appear, playing with each other, accompanied by their mother, as they approached the small pool of water was a very gratifying reward." "The lynxes' keen senses tell them that inside the hutches and behind the mirror something is going on. Surely they hear some movements and perceive smells that do not belong in the bush. That is why from time to time they look up while drinking. I take advantage of these brief moments to photograph the lynxes with their big eyes looking at the camera. The mother and cubs were there for a few moments and then went on their way." "It is very comforting to know that humans have been able to reverse the situation of this species, since at the beginning of the 21st century it was on the verge of extinction, with less than 100 individuals, and today thanks to a work plan that addressed different areas (protection against poaching, traffic awareness, reintroduction and rabbit vaccination campaigns, and geographical management of the lynx population), the species has already been considered by the IUCN as a vulnerable species, with more than 2000 individuals throughout Spain." Please byline: Ricardo Bacchini/Solent News © Ricardo Bacchini/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800 *** Local Caption *** Taken in Sierra de Andujar, near Ciudad Real, 230 kilometers south of Madrid. This is one of the two areas in the world where Iberian Lynx can be found. The photographies were taken from hides that are partially underground, which allows for a ground level view of the fauna, giving the photos an even greater impact. Waiting time in the hides can be long, and the heat makes the wait, in silence, require even more patience. On some days, the lynx do not approach the water holes, so the 8-hour wait only serves to temper patience and hopefully photograph a few birds. However, seeing the lynx cubs appear, playing with each other, accompanied by their mother, as they approached the small pool of water was a very gratifying reward. The lynxes' keen senses tell them that inside the hutches and behind the mirror something is going on. Surely they hear some movements and perceive smells that do not belong in the bush. That is why from time to time they look up while drinking. I take advantage of these brief moments to photograph the lynxes with their big eyes looking at the camera. The mother and cubs were there for a few moments and then went on their way. It is very comforting to know that humans have been able to reverse the situation of this species, since at the beginning of the 21st century it was on the verge of extinction, with less than 100 individuals, and today thanks to a work plan that addressed different areas (protection against poaching, traffic awareness, reintroduction and rabbit vaccination campaigns, and geographical management of the lynx population), the species has already been considered by the IUCN as a vulnerable species, with more than 2000 individuals throughout Spain. My favorite photo is the mother and cub drinking water while they watch to each other, because it conveys to me the feeling of raising someone by passing on your knowledge and your best habits. The essence of motherhood.