Movements and dispersal of lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Alps
Progetto Lince Italia (Italy)
University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage (France)
University of Udine (Italy)
National Park Kalkalpen (Austria)
Almost 40 years after the reintroduction of the lynx into the Alps all occurrences are still small and fragile. Expanding and merging them is crucial for their survival. However, spread of populations is very slow or non-existent, and it is not well understood why. Lynx can overcome almost any physical barrier, but young dispersing animals leaving the population seem not to be able to found new population nuclei outside the already occupied area. As the dispersal capability of lynx in the Alps will decide on future natural expansion into yet uncolonised suitable habitat, we need to know more about the fate and whereabouts of young dispersing lynx across the Alps.
Project aims and objectives
The main aim of this project is to gain more knowledge about lynx dispersing from several isolated occurrences in the Alps.
To achieve this aim we want to
- Capture 6 subadult or isolated lynx across the Alps
- Include local stakeholders in the capture and monitoring process
- Inform a broader public about lynx in the Alps by means of a website where information on capture and whereabouts of the radio-collared lynx is provided
- Gain first basic knowledge about movements of dispersing lynx over larger areas to be integrated in our conservation planning .
