PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is an endemic feline of the Iberian Peninsula, listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. At the end of 2018, the global population was 686 individuals, 306 of them being mature (160 mature females). The species distribution range extends over 2 400 km2 and includes six isolated nuclei: Doana and Sierra Morena in Andalusia, Campo de Calatrava and Montes de Toledo in Castilla La Mancha, Matachel in Extremadura, and Guadiana in Portugal. Doana and Sierra Morena host 25 and 90 mature females, respectively, and are considered consolidated nuclei. Sierra Morena itself is composed of three nuclei that function as a metapopulation. In each of the other four nuclei there are less than 15 mature females, so they are considered incipient nuclei.
The genetic diversity of the Iberian lynx is among the lowest reported for any species. The success of in situ and ex situ breeding programmes helped to preserve the remaining genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding, through genetic management of the captive population and through translocations. Now it is important to integrate the genetic monitoring and management of both programmes to assure the genetic health and long-term viability of the global population of Iberian lynx. Current rates of natural migration between Iberian lynx nuclei are not enough to guarantee the viability of the global population and to prevent local genetic erosion. In five years, just five individuals have naturally dispersed between nuclei, and a few others have settled in areas between nuclei. Creating stepping-stones in those areas can significantly increase connectivity among every nuclei.
OBJECTIVES
LIFE LYNXCONNECT aims to increase both the overall population size and the connectivity among Iberian lynx nuclei to ensure a functional self-sustainable and viable meta-population. This will push the species towards Favourable Conservation Status (FCS), set at 750 mature females in 2040, and to get the species down-listed to IUCN Vulnerable.
Specific objectives:
The project will contribute to the implementation of several EU directives and strategic documents, particularly the Habitats Directive and the coherence of the Natura 2000 network.
RESULTS
Expected results: 1. The global Iberian lynx population will have 250 mature females and the species will be listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. This will be a key milestone on the way to reaching FCS in 2040; 2. The global Iberian lynx population will function as a metapopulation. All consolidated nuclei will be connected by means of incipient nuclei (over 15 mature females), the creation of at least 10 stepping stones (at least 2 mature females each), with the annual mortality rate maintained within acceptable values due to safer road crossings and reduced conflict with farmers (e.g. reduced poaching and henhouse repair); 3. Two incipient populations (one of them at zero cost for the project) with five mature females each will be created by reintroductions; 4. 75% of the genetic diversity in the captive population will be represented in each nucleus and 85% in all reintroduced populations together; 5. The Action Plan for the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx in Europe will be updated with the conservation actions needed to meet FCS, in addition to an Iberian Strategy for Iberian lynx conservation; 6. Every mature female in every incipient and newly created nuclei will have enough prey available, even when local rabbit populations crash due to disease; 7. The social awareness of people living in Iberian lynx areas improved, and the species perceived not only as a natural resource in need of conservation but also as a generator of wealth through lynx-related businesses, brands and products; 8. A web-based citizen science tool available to identify individuals, thus promoting the participation of society in the conservation of the species; 9. Landowners and gamekeepers of nearly 300 000 ha of territory within the Iberian lynx distribution range involved in species conservation, with its role in the control of small game predators such as red fox and Egyptian Mongoose highlighted; 10. Managers and conservation agents have new tools to efficiently and cost-effectively monitor and manage the species in the future: genetic-based and machine-learning monitoring tools, an e-Lab for genetic analysis, improved traditional and novel cost-effective monitoring methodologies and web-based databases; 11. These tools will be prepared so they can be adapted and transferred to wolf, brown bear, Scottish wildcat, European mink and Pyrenean desman; 12. National and regional road management authorities assume the funding of lynx roadkill prevention measures.
