Lince Andalucía - Population recovery of Iberian Lynx in Andalusia LIFE02 NAT/E/008609

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1 Lince Andalucía - Population recovery of Iberian Lynx in Andalusia LIFE02 NAT/E/ Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Read more Contact details: Project Manager: María Cecilia GAÑÁN DE MOLINA Tel: Fax: dgpia.cma@juntadeandalucia.es Project description: Background The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most threatened carnivorous mammal in Europe. This medium-sized feline (8-14 kg) lives in areas characterised by a mixture of dense woodland, Mediterranean scrub and pasture, especially areas with an abundance of rabbits and where interference from humans is minimal. Until the 14th century, the species could be found in all across Spain and Portugal. Since that time, and particularly in recent decades, its population and distribution area have suffered an alarming decline. Today, it is estimated that just around 150 lynxes survive in the south-western quadrant of the Iberian peninsula, clustered in small groups, many of them isolated and with scant possibilities for survival. The major threats for this species are fragmentation and damage to its habitat, the scarcity of prey (rabbit), a high unnatural mortality rate and a lack of awareness about the seriousness of the threat to extinction. Objectives The project aimed to reach a favourable conservation status for the Iberian lynx in Andalusia, which is home to the two populations with the greatest guarantees of viability: Doñana and Sierra Morena (the Cardeña-Montoro area). It planned to improve its habitat (areas of refuge and feeding grounds, connecting isolated populations), increase the availability of prey (including the leasing of hunting

2 rights over rabbits) and reduce unnatural mortality (animals being snared or run over, etc.). Measures would be carried out through management agreements with owners (the majority of whom are private individuals) and be complemented by the monitoring of the lynxes and patrolling of the areas identified as important for the conservation of the species. At the same time, in coordination with another project in Castile-La Mancha, an awareness-raising campaign would be introduced. The campaign would be targeted at all the sectors involved in the management of the species (hunters, public authorities, private owners, etc.), as well as the general public. Results The project achieved its main aim to increase the lynx populations. A 49% increase in the lynx population (up to around 188 individuals in all) a 73% increase in the total surface occupied and a 30% increase in the number of breeding female territories. A supplementary feeding programme resulted in an increase in the breeding success rate. The exchange of individuals among the different populations was another key result. Though full connectivity has not been achieved among the subpopulations of Sª Morena and even less between Sª Morena -Doñana, there is evidence of individuals moving from one area to another both in Doñana and in Sª Morena. The project helped to maintain a genetic pool by providing the captive breeding programme with 13 individuals. The first cubs from mixed parents from Doñana and Sª Morena were born in Conservation of the lynx will be aided considerably by the increase in the rabbit population, which was achieved by the creation of captive breeding stations, habitat management (sowings, fertilisations and clearings), installation of drinking and feeding troughs, control of predators, hunting lease and control of ungulates. Lynx conservation will also benefit from management agreements between private landowners and the regional administration or NGOs. Lynx survival is dependant on hunting estates that preserve the Mediterranean forest. It should be noted that many of the activities carried out will also benefit other species of EC interest, such as the Imperial Eagle and Bonelli's Eagle. The project carried out an extensive awareness campaign that included the publication of a wide range of promotional material and direct contact with thousands of local residents, students and hunters. An increase in the knowledge of the species and its prey was also achieved through an intense monitoring programme with detailed censuses, search of tracks and trails and DNA analysis. Other actions that have benefited the lynx populations include the Prevention non-natural causes of death. Creation of a geo-referenced mortality database and surveillance. Road correction measures. Repair or walling up of dangerous wells (though this threat is still a strong menace for the population of Doñana). This project has been awarded the title of "Best of the Best" from a shortlist of 26 "Best" LIFE Nature projects in

3 Environmental issues addressed: Themes Species - Mammals Keywords protected area land purchase endangered species Target species Lynx pardinus Target Habitat types Mediterranean tall humid grasslands of the Molinio-Holoschoenion Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation 91B0 - Thermophilous Fraxinus angustifolia woods 91E0 - "Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)" Galicio-Portuguese oak woods with Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica Castanea sativa woods 92A0 - Salix alba and Populus alba galleries 92D0 - Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae) Olea and Ceratonia forests Quercus suber forests Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia forests Endemic forests with Juniperus spp Coastal lagoons Mediterranean and thermo-atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp Cisto-Lavenduletalia dune sclerophyllous scrubs Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster Mediterranean temporary ponds Constantly flowing Mediterranean rivers with Paspalo-Agrostidion species and hanging curtains of Salix and Populus alba Intermittently flowing Mediterranean rivers of the Paspalo-Agrostidion Endemic oro-mediterranean heaths with gorse Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub Pseudo-steppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea

4 Dehesas with evergreen Quercus spp. Natura 2000 sites Not applicable Beneficiaries: Coordinator Type of organisation Description Partners Consejería de Medio Ambiente de la Junta de Andalucía Regional authority The beneficiary is the regional government of Andalusia, Spain. Fundación CBD-Habitat, Spain Ecologistas en Acción, Spain APROCA, Spain ATECA, Spain FAC, Spain Administrative data: Project reference LIFE02 NAT/E/ Duration 01-JUL-2002 to 30-JUN Total budget 9,285, EU contribution 3,900, Project location Read more: Newsletter Title: Boletín Gato Clavo N. 10 (Enero 2008)(1.4 MB) Year: 2008 Editor: Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Medio Ambiente No of pages: 4 Project web site Project's website (ES) Publication: Layman report Title: Layman report (EN) Author: Junta de Andalucía - Consejería de Medio Ambiente Year: 2006 No of pages: 12

5 Publication: Layman report Title: Layman Report (ES) (679 KB) Year: 2006 Editor: Consejeria de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Andalucía No of pages: 12 Project description Environmental issues Beneficiaries Administrative data Read more