LYNXONTHEMOVE · Modelling and computer simulations of post-release movements of European Lynx species to improve decision-making and success of conservation translocations

Modelling and computer simulations of post-release movements of European Lynx species to improve decision-making and success of conservation translocations

This study explored the natural and human factors influencing the reintroduction success of two European lynx species: the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). The project specifically focused on understanding and modeling the movements of released individuals. This data will be used to develop a virtual simulation software, aiding future reintroduction decisions through simulated scenarios. Human activities and direct persecution have fragmented and endangered European large carnivore populations, including both lynx species. Their reintroduction depends on multiple factors, such as successful conservation efforts and species recovery programs. Conservation translocations (CT) aim to restore populations (reintroductions) or bolster existing ones (reinforcements) in their historical ranges. However, CT success remains limited due to various natural and human factors that are not fully understood, particularly how reintroduced animals respond to these challenges. Following the 2013 IUCN guidelines for reintroductions, which emphasize robust post-release monitoring, this research proposes innovative techniques for spatial and animal movement analyses. By leveraging empirical data on released animals and modern computational capabilities, the project aims to predict optimal conditions in recipient environments. These ground-breaking methods will provide valuable insights for selecting optimal reintroduction sites based on observed behavior, movements, and the response of released individuals to their new habitat. The recent reintroductions of Eurasian lynx in Slovenia and Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal provided valuable opportunities to apply these state-of-the-art movement analyses and computer simulations for selecting release sites. This project will generate valuable outputs for ongoing and future lynx reintroduction initiatives and inspire similar applications for other species, ultimately contributing to the advancement of reintroduction biology and ecosystem restoration in Europe.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union