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Vargas, A.; S nchez, I.; Mart¡nez, F.; Rivas, A.; Godoy, J.A.; Roldan, E.; Sim¢n, M.A.; Serra, R.; P‚rez, M.J.; Sliwa, A.; Delibes, M.; Aymerich, M.; Breitenmoser, U.
Interdisciplinary methods in the Iberian Lynx (_Lynx pardinus_) Conservation Breeding Programme (M‚todos multidisciplinares en el Programa de Cr¡a para la Conservaci¢n del Lince Ib‚rico)
2009  Book Chapter

The Iberian Lynx Conservation Breeding Programme follows a multidisciplinary approach, integrated within the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx, which is carried out in cooperation with national, regional, and international institutions. The main goals of the _Ex situ_ Conservation Programme are to: 1) maintain a genetically and demographically-managed captive population; 2) create new Iberian Lynx (_Lynx pardinus_) free-ranging populations through reintroduction. To achieve the first goal, the Programme aims at maintaining 85% of the genetic diversity presently found in the wild for the next 30 years. This requires managing 60 (30 males, 30 females) Iberian lynx as breeding stock. Growth projections indicate that the _Ex situ_ Programme should achieve such population target by the year 2010 and, once this goal is reached, reintroduction efforts could begin. The Programme actually surpassed this population target in 2009, although the first reintroduction of captive-born Iberian lynxes is still scheduled for 2010. To date, _ex situ_ efforts have focused on producing physiologically and behaviourally sound captive-born individuals. To achieve this goal, we have used management and research techniques that rely on multidisciplinary input and knowledge generated on the specie's life history, behaviour, nutrition, husbandry, genetics, veterinary science, physiology, endocrinology and ecology. Particularly important has been adapting our husbandry schemes based on research data to promote natural behaviours in captivity (hunting, territoriality, social interactions) and a stress-free environment that is conducive to natural reproduction. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of how scientific knowledge from various disciplines is proving essential to shape management efforts within the Iberian Lynx Breeding Programme. The chapter is divided into 6 sections: Genetic and Demographic Management, Captive Husbandry and Behavior, Health and Veterinary Aspects, Reproductive Physiology, Reintroduction, & Outreach/Capacity Building, and it summarizes information and results contained in various chapters of this book as they relate to Iberian lynx conservation efforts.

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