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von Arx, M.; Breitenmoser-Wrsten, C.; Breitenmoser, U.
Lessons from the reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx in Central and West Europe (Lecciones aprendidas a partir de la reintroducci¢n del lince boreal en Europa Central y Occidental)
2009  Book Chapter

We review the Eurasian lynx (_Lynx lynx_) reintroductions in Central and West Europe and the present status of the populations. The requirements defined by the IUCN Reintroduction Guidelines are used to evaluate the reintroduction projects and to identify important factors for successful lynx reintroductions. Reintroduction of Eurasian lynx started as early as 1970 and continues to present. In all attempts, only a small number of animals, ranging from two to 31 animals, were released. Fifty-seven percent of the animals were wild-caught in the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia; 40% were captive-born lynx and some were of unknown origin. The assessment of the Eurasian lynx reintroduction programmes suffers from lack of information and insufficient (longterm) follow-up monitoring for most projects. Even some of the recent projects failed to apply adequate scientific methods to monitor the fate of the released animals and the success of the Programme. The comparison of the different projects however still allows for some general conclusions regarding the reversal of historic threats, number and origin of the animals, the choice of release sites, information and public involvement, and monitoring and follow-up programmes which might provide some lessons for the recovery of the Iberian lynx.

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