Iberian Lynx Louse (Felicola isidoroi)

The Iberian Lynx Louse was described in 2001; it is known from a single male specimen.

The species’ disappearance is an example of a conservation-induced extinction: it died out when the last survivors of its host species, the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus (Temminck)), themselves being at that time highly in imminent danger of extinction, were taken into captivity and de-loused.

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The Iberian Lynx itself has made a decent comeback with the population now being at 1668 individuals in May of 2023.

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References:

[1] Jesus M. Perez; Ricardo Palma: A new species of Felicola (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from the endangered Iberian lynx: another reason to ensure its survival. Biodiversity and Conservation 10(6): 929-937. 2001

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edited: 15.01.2024