More than eight thousand conservationists and policy makers are currently in in Barcelona, Spain, for the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

Held once every four years, the gathering is viewed as a landmark event where future conservation strategies are developed.

Amongst the motions being debated on Saturday, was one about the Iberian lynx, of which there are only probably around 1500-200 remaining in the wild.

The problem is the one that threatens more species than any other; habitat loss, as wild animals give ground to man.

In this case, the plaintiffs are simply asking Spain and Portugal to give greater priority to the lynx’s preservation – which presumably means restricting the intensification of agriculture, urban development and road building.