Genetic and demographic data improve lynx translocations

Posted - Apr 17, 2020


We have conducted a pre-reinforcement survey of the genetic and demographic status of residual lynx in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. With systematic camera trapping at more than 300 camera trapping sites and with non-invasive genetic sampling via snow-tracking and hair trapping, we obtained good quality data of lynx distribution and minimum population size in Northern Dinarics and the SE Alps. We identified 71 adult lynxes, including 16 females with kittens, who are the crucial demographic group. Lynx population ranges from Velebit to the Alps, with the majority of the animals detected in Slovenian Dinarics, Gorski Kotar and Northern Velebit. These data are going to guide our future reinforcement efforts and allow us to choose optimal release sites for translocated lynx.

Reports on genetic and demographic status are available online:

Map with presumed female lynx territories in Dinarics, 100 km2 buffers were made around locations of identified female lynx.

Collecting lynx hair during snow tracking. Photo: LIFE Lynx