An ambitious conservation programme to save the Iberian lynx from extinction conducted several reintroductions aiming to restore its historical range. The urgency due to the delicate conservation ...status prompted translocating captive-born and wild individuals, while preventing an early assessment of how both groups combined their space-use and differed in post-release movements. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive movement ecology analysis using GPS data of 161 Iberian lynxes from 9 populations. First, we classified five movement phases within individuals' trajectories: residence areas (stable and transient), excursions, post-release dispersals, and transitions between residences. Second, we used continuous-time movement models to estimate range size and daily speeds and measured the distance travelled during extra-territorial movements. Finally, we conducted comparative analyses to evaluate differences between captive-born, wild translocated, and wild non-translocated individuals across phases, sex, age-class and populations. Most individuals in all groups established home ranges, supporting the reintroduction main goal. Yet, contrary to the species' natural pattern, captive-born subadults did not show intersexual home range size differences, which emerged after experiencing free-ranging, when becoming adults. More differences emerged for non-residential behaviours. Captive-born lynxes were more prone to post-release dispersal, to slower post-release movements and to having smaller transient residences, indicating cautious behaviour. Our study supports using captive-born individuals for reintroductions, while prioritizing wild individuals for reinforcements in highly competitive populations. Further, we suggest relevant metrics for planning translocations and connectivity management, and we demonstrate how an integrated ex-situ and reintroduction initiative can substantially contribute to restoring an endangered species' distribution range.
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•Individual space-use behaviours shape population distributions.•As aimed, translocated wild and captive-born lynxes mostly established home ranges.•Captive subadults showed wild-like resident behaviour after free-range experience.•Captive-born lynxes showed post-release movements indicative of cautious behaviour.•Ex-situ conservation and translocations are effective to restore species ranges.
Circoviruses cause severe disease in pigs and birds. Canine circovirus has thus far only been associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders and systemic disease in dogs. The Iberian lynx ...(Lynx pardinus) is one of the most endangered carnivores in Europe and the most endangered felid worldwide. Exploring the virome of these animals may be important in terms of virus discovery and assessing the interspecies-circulation of viruses from related carnivores. In this study, 162 spleen samples from Iberian lynx were screened for CRESS DNA viruses. Overall, 11 (6.8%) of 162 samples tested positive using a consensus PCR. Partial rep sequences were tightly related to each other (96.6-100%). Specific molecular protocols were designed on the partial rep sequences of the novel virus, Iberian lynx-associated circovirus-1 (ILCV-1). By screening a subset of 45 spleen samples, the infection rate of ILCV-1 in Iberian lynxes was 57.8% (26/45). ILCV-1 strains formed a separate cluster intermingled with bat, rodent, mongoose, and felid circoviruses. The genome of the novel virus displayed the highest nucleotide identity (64.3-65.3%) to mongoose circoviruses, thus representing a novel candidate circovirus species. The detection of these viruses in the spleen tissues could suggest systemic infection in the animal host. Overall, these findings suggest that this novel circovirus is common in the Iberian lynx. Further studies are warranted to assess the possible health implications of ILCV-1 in this endangered species.
Genomic studies of endangered species provide insights into their evolution and demographic history, reveal patterns of genomic erosion that might limit their viability, and offer tools for their ...effective conservation. The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid and a unique example of a species on the brink of extinction.
We generate the first annotated draft of the Iberian lynx genome and carry out genome-based analyses of lynx demography, evolution, and population genetics. We identify a series of severe population bottlenecks in the history of the Iberian lynx that predate its known demographic decline during the 20th century and have greatly impacted its genome evolution. We observe drastically reduced rates of weak-to-strong substitutions associated with GC-biased gene conversion and increased rates of fixation of transposable elements. We also find multiple signatures of genetic erosion in the two remnant Iberian lynx populations, including a high frequency of potentially deleterious variants and substitutions, as well as the lowest genome-wide genetic diversity reported so far in any species.
The genomic features observed in the Iberian lynx genome may hamper short- and long-term viability through reduced fitness and adaptive potential. The knowledge and resources developed in this study will boost the research on felid evolution and conservation genomics and will benefit the ongoing conservation and management of this emblematic species.
In a recent review paper, Palomares et al. (2022) questioned whether the current behaviour of some carnivorous mammals supports zooarchaeological interpretations of the origin and authorship of ...certain fossil accumulations in Quaternary sites, concluding that it is questionable. The authors develop classical approach based on actualism to interpret the fossil record but commit some inaccuracies in analogical reasoning, overlook the complexity of taphonomic pathways and the fact that the process of fossil accumulation and assemblage formation is time-dependent. This comment concerns only Lynx pardinus as a taphonomic agent. Based on observations of the fossil record, experimental works in captivity, actualistic work in the wild, and information derived from the current behaviour of the species, I argue that the Iberian lynx should be seriously considered as a relevant taphonomic agent, especially in karstic contexts.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging zoonotic virus of public and animal health concern, of which felids have been suggested as potential reservoirs. ...Although SARS-CoV-2 exposure has been detected in domestic and wild captive animals belonging to Felidae family, surveillance has not been carried out in free-ranging wild felids so far. The aim of the present study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered felid in the world. Between 2019 and 2022, we conducted a seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in 276 free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes. Our results evidenced limited (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.0–1.1) but not negligible exposure to this emerging virus in this endangered felid species, increasing the SARS-CoV-2 host range. The circulation of this virus in wildlife evidences the need of integrated European wildlife monitoring.
•First surveillance study on free-ranging felines.•The Iberian lynx is naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2.•The range of animal species susceptible to this emerging virus has increased.•Limited risk of transmission from the Iberian lynx to other sympatric species and vice versa so far.
Current global change scenarios demand knowledge on how anthropogenic impacts affect ecosystem functioning through changes in food web structure. Frugivorous mesocarnivores are a key link in trophic ...cascades because, while their abundance and behaviour are usually controlled by apex predators, they can provide high‐quality seed‐dispersal services to plant communities. Thus, the recent rewilding of large carnivores worldwide can trigger cascading effects for plants.
We investigated the top‐down effects of an apex predator (Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus) on seed‐dispersal services mediated by two mesocarnivore species (red fox Vulpes vulpes and stone marten Martes foina) at the plant community level by comparing areas with and without lynx in a Mediterranean mountain range in Southern Spain.
We collected scats of mesocarnivores (n = 1575) to assess frugivory and seed dispersal of 15 plant species over two consecutive fruiting seasons and two habitat types (open and forest). Specifically, we assessed the effect of lynx presence on (i) seed occurrence and fleshy‐fruit biomass per scat, (ii) number of scats containing seeds and (iii) diversity of dispersed seeds.
The quantity and diversity of dispersed seeds drastically decreased under predation risk for both mesocarnivore's species. Seed dispersal by stone martens was negatively affected by the presence of lynx, with a marked reduction in the number of scats with seeds (93%) and the diversity of dispersed seeds (46%). Foxes dispersed 68% fewer seeds in open habitats when coexisting with lynx, probably leading to differential contributions to seed‐dispersal effectiveness among habitats.
Our study reveals a novel trophic cascade from apex predators to plant communities. The behavioural responses of frugivorous mesocarnivores to predation risk and the reduction in the intensity of their faecal deposition pattern are probably related to their lower abundance when co‐occurring with apex predators. While rewilding apex predators is a successful conservation tool, attention should be paid to cascading effects across food webs, particularly where frugivore megafauna is missing and mesocarnivores provide unique services to plants.
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Resumen
El escenario actual de cambio global demanda más conocimiento sobre cómo los impactos antrópicos afectan al funcionamiento de los ecosistemas a través de cambios en la estructura de la red trófica. Los mesocarnívoros frugívoros son un eslabón clave en las cascadas tróficas ya que, si bien su abundancia y comportamiento suelen estar controlados por los superdepredadores, pueden proporcionar servicios de dispersión de semillas de alta calidad a las comunidades de plantas. Así, la reciente recuperación de grandes carnívoros en todo el mundo puede desencadenar efectos en cascada para las plantas.
Investigamos los efectos en cascada de un superdepredador (lince ibérico Lynx pardinus) sobre los servicios de dispersión de semillas mediados por dos especies mesocarnívoras (zorro rojo Vulpes vulpes y garduña Martes foina) a nivel de toda la comunidad de plantas y comparando áreas con y sin lince en las montañas mediterráneas del sur de España.
Recolectamos excrementos de mesocarnívoros (n = 1575) para evaluar la frugivoría y la dispersión de semillas de 15 especies de plantas durante dos temporadas de fructificación consecutivas y en dos tipos de hábitat (abierto y forestal). Específicamente, evaluamos el efecto de la presencia de linces sobre (i) la presencia de semillas y la biomasa de frutos por excremento, (ii) el número de excrementos que contenían semillas y (iii) la diversidad de semillas dispersadas.
La cantidad y diversidad de semillas dispersadas disminuyeron drásticamente bajo el escenario de riesgo de depredación para ambas especies de mesocarnívoros. La dispersión de semillas por las garduñas se vio afectada negativamente por la presencia del lince, con una marcada reducción en el número de excrementos con semillas (93%) y la diversidad de semillas dispersadas (46%). Los zorros dispersaron un 68% menos semillas en hábitats abiertos cuando coexistieron con el lince, lo que probablemente condujo a una contribución diferente en la efectividad de la dispersión de semillas entre hábitats.
Nuestro estudio revela una nueva cascada trófica desde los superdepredadores hasta las comunidades de plantas. Las respuestas comportamentales de los mesocarnívoros frugívoros al riesgo de depredación y la reducción de sus patrones de marcaje fecal probablemente estén relacionados con su menor abundancia cuando coexisten con los superdepredadores. Aunque la recuperación de los superdepredadores es una herramienta de conservación exitosa, se debe prestar atención a sus efectos en cascada en las redes tróficas, particularmente en escenarios donde la megafauna frugívora ha desaparecido y los mesocarnívoros brindan servicios únicos a las comunidades de plantas.
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Background Benign juvenile idiopathic epilepsy has been described in humans but rarely in animals. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical signs, clinical data, imaging findings, ...genetic examinations, treatment, long-term outcome and prognosis in Iberian lynx with juvenile epilepsy. Medical records, video recordings and diagnostic data from 2005 to 2019 were reviewed. Results Twenty lynx cubs with early onset of epileptic seizures (ES) from the conservation program were included. The average age at seizure onset was 75 days. Isolated and cluster ES were recorded. Focal ES, focal ES evolving into generalized ES with a stereotypical pattern and generalized ES were observed. All the cubs were normal between episodes, had a normal neurological examination and unremarkable investigations. Phenobarbital was used as a first line antiepileptic drug (AED). ES halted 10 days (0-34) after starting treatment in eight out of twenty cubs (40%). Treatment was discontinued in this group after a mean of 578 days and no further ES were reported (mean follow-up longer than 5 years). Eleven animals (55%) continued on AED treatment for a mean of 1306 days (70-3466). An adult-onset was observed for one lynx (5%). Polytherapy was necessary in seven lynxes (35%). The inheritance pattern observed was compatible with an autosomal recessive condition. Based on this assumption, mating between two identified carriers has been avoided since 2012, which may have contributed to the subsequent decrease in prevalence, with no further cases detected in 2018 and 2019. Conclusions Lynx pardinus may have an early onset self-limiting ES syndrome characteristic of benign juvenile idiopathic epilepsy. Information obtained from this study strongly suggests a genetic basis for the here presented epilepsy. Keywords: Feline, Wild cat, Lynx, Seizure, Idiopathic epilepsy, Juvenile epilepsy, Benign epilepsy
Using an ethnoecological approach we studied perceptions, empirical classifications and practices towards wild predators in Portuguese protected areas. Results from 131 semi-structured interviews ...allowed the analysis of classification, criteria used by key actors and the understanding of an emic perspective on the differentiation of the natural world. Further analysis and data from observation reveal local ecological knowledge associated with characteristics of carnivores. Oral memories about coexistence of humans with wolf and lynx in the late 20th century in Baixo Alentejo are described. Humans are recognized as one of the predators in a complex and apparent dualistic view of domestic and wild realms associated with past control practices. In its reintroduction area the threatened Iberian lynx raised much interest locally and after being classified as an “outsider” it became the centre of touristification. This case study characterizes a European rural scenario “among predators” where nature conservation is facing challenges and Anthropology has an opportunity of interdisciplinary application.
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