Portugal’s National Iberian Lynx Reproduction Centre (CNRLI) in Silves is recruiting volunteers to join its team for the upcoming breeding season.
The Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF), which manages the centre, has opened six volunteer positions: two for the period of February to April and four between May and July. Successful applicants will work with the centre’s Ethology and Video Surveillance team, helping observe and record lynx behaviour during the breeding season. Full training will be provided, the ICNF says.
The centre is looking for “motivated” candidates, preferably with backgrounds in natural sciences, ethology or behavioural sciences. Volunteers will receive free accommodation at the CNRLI facilities, a daily meal allowance of €6 for each working day, and personal accident insurance.
Operating since 2009, the Silves breeding centre has played a key role in the “spectacular” recovery of the Iberian lynx species, which has gone from an “endangered” status to a “vulnerable” status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In 2025 alone, 11 lynx cubs were born at the centre. Since its creation, 181 cubs have been born, with 114 successfully reintroduced into natural habitats across the Iberian Peninsula.
Applications should be sent by email to cnrli.voluntarios@gmail.com.
