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Vargas, A.
Ex-situ conservation programme for the Iberian Lynx - Organization, planning and current situation
2004  Conference Proceeding

Breeding for the conservation of endangered species is a costly conservation tool that requires careful planning to ensure its integration in the global species recovery strategy. Once the need to set up an exsitu conservation programme has been established, it is essential to avoid hindering the in-situ conservation activities. A breeding programme should only start when the necessary administrative support, the financial resources and adequate infrastructures to carry it out have been consolidated. Programme planning based on short and long-term objectives is important, including goals regarding genetic and demographic management and in captivity, as well as covering the healthcare, reproductive and etiological aspects of the captive population. The creation of a breeding programme for the Iberian lynx was formally recommended as a tool for the conservation of the lynx in different documents, including the Analysis on the Viability of Iberian Lynx Populations (IUCN/MIMAM, 1998), the Plan of Action for the Iberian Lynx in Europe, (European Council/WWF, 1999), and the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Iberian Lynx (MIMAM, 1999). In response to the recommendations included in these papers, the Ministry of the Environment drove the design of the Plan of Action to promote Captive Breeding of the Iberian Lynx. This Plan, designed as a "live" document subject to regular revisions, was approved by the National Commission for Nature Conservation in February 2001. The first comprehensive revision of the Plan began in 2004, and will be finalised in early 2005.

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