Female lynx Myrtilies was born at the Silves breeding centre, her name chosen this month by the population of Mértola.
Mirandilla, the second female to be released, was born at the Cativeiro La Olivilla reproduction centre in Spain.
Both animals were born in 2014 and will be slowly introduced to their natural, wild habitat by spending time in a fenced-off adaptation area.
The third lynx, a male named Monfragüe, who was also born at the Spanish Cativeiro La Olivilla reproduction centre, was also released, completing a second phase of the process.
A statement sent to The Portugal News from the Portuguese Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF) said: “This is another step towards the establishment of a wild and viable population, in a geographical area that was once part of its historical range, returning to the age-old coexistence with humans.
“A viable Iberian lynx population will be achieved when around 50 females are stabilised in the territory, which continues with this second phase of the reintroduction process.”
The release of Iberian lynxes – once considered the world’s most endangered feline and only recently brought back from the brink of extinction – in Mértola, is the result of close collaboration between Portugal and Spain, made possible with the important formation of local partnerships.
The ICNF says the process implies no restrictions or limitations to local agricultural, forestry, tourist or hunting activities.