IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Sarmento, P.; Monterroso, P.; Tarroso, P.; Ferreira, C.; Negräes, N.; Castro, L.; Cruz, J.; Pinto, B.; Pargana, J. | |
| The Iberian Lynx in Portugal | |
| 2004 Full Book | |
A team of biologists and field assistants conducted, between January 2002 and May 2003, a survey on the status of the Iberian lynx in Portugal. The survey was performed over previously identified lynx areas, during studies carried out in the 1970-s and 1990-s. The following objectives were established: 1- To design a baseline of status and distribution of the species for result comparison of subsequent surveys on a national scale; 2- To develop a simple and reliable method of collecting information to facilitate future surveys; 3- To analyse rabbit distribution and abundance within the lynx historical range; 4- To define potential areas for capturing founders for a captive breeding programme. Intensive search for lynx scats, for DNA analysis, and camera trapping provided a basis for identifying potential lynx areas. Over 4200 km were covered during a global searching effort of 1975 man-hours. This effort resulted in the collection of 168 potential scats, that were submitted to genetic validation with no positive lynx amplifications. Camera trapping was applied in a total effort of 5647 camera days, in three lynx potential areas. No positive detections were achieved. At the same time, a study on wild rabbit distribution reveal that most historical nuclei do not support lynx viable populations. Although we can not confirm extinction, the scenario is highly pessimistic. The Iberian lynx is presently in the verge of extinction. Intensive rabbit regression and massive habitat destruction are identified as the main causes of decline in recent decades. In the Portuguese lynx historical range, we could only identify significant areas suitable for lynx in the South-eastern part of the country, particularly in the Andalusian border, where we lack on recent evidence of lynx presence. Being aware of the considerable difficulties pointed above, the ICN developed a Conservation Action Plan for the Iberian lynx in order to provide a consistent and effective approach to conserve the species in Portuguese territory. |
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