IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Vargas, A.; Sanchez, I.; Martinez, F.; Rivas, A.; Godoy, J.A.; Roldan, E.; Simon, M.A.; Serra, R.; Perez, J.; Silwa, A.; Delibes, M.; Aymerich, M.; Breitenmoser, U. | |
| The Iberian lynx conservation breeding programme | |
| 2008 Conference Proceeding | |
The Iberian Lynx Conservation Breeding Program 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 program are to: (1) maintain a genetically and demographically-managed captive population; (2) create new Iberian lynx free-ranging populations through re-introduction. To achieve the first goal, the Program aims at maintaining 85% of the genetic diversity presently found in the wild for the next 30 years. This requires managing 60(30.30) Iberian lynx as breeding stock. Growth projections indicate that the ex-situ program should achieve such population target by the year 2010. Once this goal is reached, re-introduction efforts could begin. Thus, current ex-situ efforts focus on producing physiologically and behaviorally sound captive-born individuals. To achieve this goal, we use management and research techniques that rely on multidisciplinary input and knowledge generated on the species life history, behavior, nutrition, veterinary and health aspects, genetics, reproductive physiology, endocrinology and ecology. Particularly important is adapting our husbandry schemes based on research data to promote natural behaviors in captivity (hunting, territoriality, social interactions) and a stress-free environment that is conducive to natural reproduction. The aim of this communication is to provide an overview of how scientific knowledge from various disciplines is proving essential to shape management efforts within the Iberian lynx breeding program. The communication is divided into 6 sections: Genetic and Demographic Management, Captive Husbandry, Health and Veterinary Aspects, Reproductive Physiology, Reintroduction, & Outreach/Capacity Building. |
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(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |