The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) has opened six volunteer vacancies at the National Iberian Lynx Reproduction Center (CNRLI), located in Silves, in the district of Faro.
According to the ICNF, two vacancies are available for the period between February and April and another four between May and July, intended for integration into the center’s Ethology and Video Surveillance team. Volunteers will accompany technical teams in observing and recording the behavior of lynxes during the breeding season, receiving specific training to perform these functions.
The institute is looking for “motivated people, preferably with training in the areas of natural sciences, ethology or behavioral sciences”, says the ICNF, adding that accommodation will be provided free of charge at the CNRLI facilities. It is also foreseen the payment of a daily amount corresponding to the meal allowance, in the amount of six euros per working day, as well as coverage by personal accident insurance.
In operation since 2009 and under the coordination of I, the National Iberian Lynx Reproduction Center was created as part of the project to reintroduce the species into the wild. According to the institute, the CNRLI’s mission is to “actively contribute to the Conservation Program Ex Situ and for the recovery of free-ranging Iberian lynx populations”, through captive breeding, preparation and release of specimens destined for reintroduction.
In 2025 alone, 11 cubs were born in the center of Silves. Since its creation, the CNRLI has registered the birth of 181 lynxes, of which 114 have already been reintroduced in various parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Applications for the volunteer program must be sent to the email address .
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