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I planned on visiting Parque Nacional de Doñana here in Huelva, España for several months now to try and capture an image of The Iberian Lynx. The Iberian Lynx is the world’s most endangered feline species with only 1500 remaining in the wild. That explains why after 3 tours, all that I saw were some fresh footprints in the sand. In order for a Lynx to prosper, they to eat one rabbit every day. One of the problems for the Lynx is that the local rabbit population has suffered 2 major diseases that severely reduced the rabbit population over the past 30 years. Fortunately, conservation efforts and rabbit repopulation have increased the number of Lynx here in Doñana. But, we're not out of the woods yet (no pun intended).

My guide, Fran, saved the day and showed me a number of animals of which my favorite was the Mochuelo or Little Owl. These little critters are no longer than a banana I viewed them resting on a Eucalyptus stump at sunrise from 50 meters away. What an amazing way to begin the day.

I do have some captivating images from this trip and many others and they can all be viewed on my website maxdobens.com

And if you are interested in receiving the Tripod Traveler each month via email, please just let me know and I will make that happen.

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