IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Serra, R.; Carreira, S.; Fernandez, J.; Godoy, J.A.; Gonzalez, R.; Gutierrez, I.; Perez, M.J.; Rivas, A.; Roldan, E.; Vargas, A. | |
| The Iberian lynx ex-situ conservation programme: from birth to release | |
| 2024 Cat News Special Issue (17): 24 | |
The Iberian lynx_ Lynx pardinus_ ex-situ conservation programme was established in 2001, as the species was Critically Endangered, with the aim of maintaining a healthy, genetically sound captive breeding population to prevent extinction and provide a source for future reintroductions. After a slow early progress, the programme rapidly expanded after 2005 to a network of exclusive and associated breeding centres in Spain and Portugal. Extensive research advanced understanding of lynx reproductive biology leading to developments such as genus-specific pregnancy diagnosis, while assisted reproductive techniques and biobanking are being developed to optimise genetic management and reproductive output. The programme faced severe health challenges during its expansion - vitamin D toxicosis and disorders of likely genetic basis causing threatening clinical and demographic issues. When the programme reached its maturity, a specialised reintroduction training protocol for the Iberian lynx was implemented to promote natural behaviours critical for survival in the wild prior to release. By 2023, over 700 cubs had been produced across the breeding network from over 400 breeding events, and 403 lynxes have been released so far, playing a pivotal role in re-establishing 8 new free-ranging populations across the Iberian Peninsula and downlisting the species to Endangered and recently to a Vulnerable conservation status. Maintaining adequate population size, genetic diversity, and dealing with the overcrowding of enclosures due to the demographic challenge are priorities going forward as additional reintroductions are required to reach and maintain a favourable conservation status. Adapting the ex-situ programme to face other emerging challenges such as the rehabilitation of injured/orphaned or conflict generating free-ranging lynxes is necessary while upholding core principles that have enabled the program's success so far. |
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