Breeding for Reintroduction: The Iberian Lynx Ex-situ Conservation Programme
Environmental Council of the Andalusian Government
Township of Jerez
Superior Counsil for Scientific Research
University of Huelva, Spain
University of Madrid, Spain
University of Barcelona, Spain
University of Elche, Spain
University of Córdoba, Spain
University of Zurich, Switzerland
Smithsonian Institution, USA
Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
National Cancer Institute, USA
Mammal Conservation and Reseach Society, Spain
WWW-ADENA
Ecologistas en Acción (Ecologists in Action)
Jerez Zoo
Fuengirola Zoo
Terra Natura Zoo
Selwoo Zoo
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 hedge population; (2) create new Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus free-ranging populations through reintroduction.
To achieve the first goal, the Program aims to maintain 85% of the genetic diversity presently found in the wild for the next 30 years. This requires developing and maintaining 60/70 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, reintroduction efforts could begin. Thus, current ex-situ efforts focus on producing psychologically and physically sound captive-born individuals. To achieve this goal, we use management and research techniques that rely on multidisciplinary input and knowledge generated on species´ life history, behaviour, 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 behaviours in captivity (hunting, territoriality, social interactions) and a stress-free environment that is conducive to natural reproduction.
Iberian lynx behaviours are carefully monitored 24hours/day using a video-surveillance consisting of robotized cameras and microphones. This system helps meet three main goals: (1) Monitor Iberian lynx behaviours; (2) Detect any potential problems in captive individuals; (2) Broadcast live Iberian lynx images to El Acebuche Visitor Center´s “Iberian Lynx Corner”, in Doñana´s National Park, and provide videos and photographs to any parties that are interested in participating in Iberian Lynx Outreach and Education efforts.
Project aims and objectives
The main aims of the videosurveillance system established at the Iberian lynx captive breeding centers in El Acebuche and the Jerez Zoo are three-fold:
- Monitoring: Helps detect compatibility between breeders during the reproductive period and prevent potential confrontations between individuals. Allows for early detection of potential health problems in captive individuals.
- Behavioral research: Study circadian and circannual ryhtms, adaptation of wild-caught individuals to the captive environment, reproductive behaviour, gestation, parturition, lactation, cub-fights, predatory behaviour and other interactions between captive individuals.
- Outreach and education: Selected live images are sent via wi-fi to a screen placed at the “Iberian Lynx Corner” in Doñana´s Acebuche Visitor Center. More than 1 million people per year visit Doñana´s National Park and have the opportunity to observe real-live images of the Iberian lynx that are maintained at El Acebuche Breeding Center. In addition, pictures and videos obtained from the surveillance system are placed in the Program´s webpage (www.lynxexsitu.es)
