PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
According to IUCN, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered feline species in the world. This medium-sized cat (8-14 kg) lives in areas characterised by a mixture of dense woodland, Mediterranean scrub and pasture, especially areas with an abundance of rabbits and where interference from humans is minimal. The species is endemic to the Iberian peninsula and, until the 14th century, could be found in all areas across Spain and Portugal.
Since that time, and particularly in recent decades, its population and distribution area suffered an alarming decline. A general census carried out in 1989 estimated that there were only around 1 000 – 1 200 individuals left. The bulk of the remaining population was restricted to parts of south western Spain, with a few individuals in Portugal.
The most important threat to the lynx has been reduced food availability. Rabbits make up around 80% of the lynx’s diet and these suffered a heavy decline through severe epidemics of myxomatosis and haemorrhagic disease. The transformation and destruction of lynx habitat also reduced and fragmented its distribution to only 48 small populations, of which only eight contained more than 25 individuals. Important additional non-natural causes of mortality include accidental deaths from trapping and collisions with cars.
This project is part of an overall multi-beneficiaries, multi-annual approach involving five regional governments, a national authority and a research institution. The relevant projects are:
LIFE94 NAT/E/004811 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004818 (Andalusia);
LIFE94 NAT/E/004814 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004815 (Extremadura);
LIFE94 NAT/E/004813 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004816 (Castilla la Mancha);
LIFE94 NAT/E/001186 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004817 (Castile and Leon);
LIFE94 NAT/E/004808 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004821 (Madrid);
LIFE94 NAT/E/004810 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004819 (National Directorate General for Nature Conservation);
LIFE94 NAT/E/004809 and LIFE95 NAT/E/004820 (CSIC – the Higher Council for Scientific Research).
OBJECTIVES
All the projects operating under the joint approach aimed to work towards combating the main threats affecting the Iberian lynx to guarantee the future long-term viability of the species. They sought to collectively increase understanding of the species and its needs, raise awareness of the threats to the species and start recovery and conservation of its habitat and a reduction in mortality.
The 1994 and 1995 projects in Castile and Leon specifically planned to conduct inventories of the lynx to increase understanding of the current situation for the species in the region. These actions would be supported by monitoring and surveillance of the most problematic areas to control the main threats to the species.
RESULTS
Overall, the LIFE lynx projects dated 1994&1995 made a significant contribution to increasing knowledge and understanding of the Iberian lynx. They helped increase awareness of the needs and current situation of the species and laid the foundations for the potential long-term recovery of the species. The actions undertaken by the different partners and new possible solutions to the problems affecting the species were discussed periodically at Steering Committee meetings. They contributed to a National Strategy for lynx conservation, which was adopted by the National Commission on Nature Protection in February 1999.
Most of the efforts of the Castile and Leon projects were centred on conducting population studies. These focused on the detection of traces and signs, direct observations and capture for radio-tracking. The project tested new techniques for detecting lynx, including genetic analysis from excrement and sound attraction. Unfortunately, these detected very few signs of lynx and none which could be definitely attributed to the animal.
The project concluded that the lynx is only sporadically present in this area - Sierra de Gata and surroundings - which was thought to contain a greater abundance of individuals. Overall, the LIFE lynx projects dated 1994&1995 made a significant contribution to increasing knowledge and understanding of the Iberian lynx. They helped increase awareness of the needs and current situation of the species and laid the foundations for the potential long-term recovery of the species. The actions undertaken by the different partners and new possible solutions to the problems affecting the species were discussed periodically at Steering Committee meetings. They contributed to a National Strategy for lynx conservation, which was adopted by the National Commission on Nature Protection in February 1999.
Most of the efforts of the Castile and Leon projects were centred on conducting population studies. These focused on the detection of traces and signs, direct observations and capture for radio-tracking. The project tested new techniques for detecting lynx, including genetic analysis from excrement and sound attraction. Unfortunately, these detected very few signs of lynx and none which could be definitely attributed to the animal.
The project concluded that the lynx is only sporadically present in this area - Sierra de Gata and surroundings - which was thought to contain a greater abundance of individuals.