Professor Karen Mc Bride, University of Portsmouth, UK

"Recovery of the Iberian lynx: 20 years to accomplish the status of endangered species" 
Wednesday, 3 December 2025. 12:00-13:30 

Room 281, The Adam Smith Business School Building

Abstract

Purpose: This study focuses on the Iberian lynx, an endogenous species of the Iberian Peninsula. In 2002, the lynx was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its Red List of Threatened Species. We aim to understand why and how several organisations in Portugal joined efforts to contribute to fighting the risk of extinction of this species, and the role of accounting and accountability in the process. Portugal and Spain were part of projects financed by the European Union, collaborating to save this species.

Methodology: The research has an overarching theoretical framework of Deep Ecology. The analysis uses diverse sources of information. Analysis of legislation and financial and non-financial reports from the most prominent public, not-for-profit and private organisations involved in the project. These sources are complemented by the analysis of websites, social media, and other activities focused on informing society of the risk of extinction of the lynx.

Findings: To address and avoid the extinction of the lynx, several entities, from public and private sectors, scientific institutions, nature conservation organisations, and local populations, were involved in developing strategies to recover the species. In 2024, a significant result was achieved: the Iberian lynx is no longer on the brink of extinction, its status changing from Endangered to Vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species.

Originality: In understanding the process of what has been classified as the ‘greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved’, this study aims to provide a framework of accounting’s social and moral responsibility and accountability for extinction that should help and encourage other initiatives to save other species before it is too late.

Bio

Before becoming an academic I trained to be a chartered accountant with a medium sized firm in Southampton.  I became a tax manager and subsequently a senior audit manager at another larger firm locally. I am a researcher and have presented papers at numerous research conferences both in the UK and overseas. I also try to remain engaged with the accountancy profession. My research has involved interviews with senior people in the profession and this along with other research projects has helped me to keep up to date with current developments and issues. Until REF2021, I had an impact support role for the School of Business and Law.

For further information, please contact business-school-research@glasgow.ac.uk

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First published: 30 October 2025

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