Spain

Using the category system in force (IUCN, 1994), this document analyses the bestowal of IUCN category statuses and proposes a systematic procedure for making such assignments. A number of selected pilot cases from around the world where this procedure has been used are discussed.

Using the category system in force (IUCN, 1994), this document analyses the bestowal of IUCN category statuses and proposes a systematic procedure for making such assignments. A number of selected pilot cases from around the world where this procedure has been used are discussed.

This publication describes the very urgent situation regarding the Iberian Lynx. Its position on IUCN's red list as critically endangered indicates that the chances of extinction are quite real. Extinction of the lynx would mean the fist extinction of a big cat in Europe since the disappearance of the Sabre-toothed tiger approximately 10.000 years ago.

Four case studies of European protected areas are presented illustrating particular themes of management practice. The National Park of Abruzzo, Latium and Molise (Italy) serves as a model for zoning; the Bialowieza National Park (Poland) for monitoring; participatory management is exemplified in the Minorca Biosphere Reserve in Spain; and the Austrian Hohe Tauern National Park is a good example for visitor management.