Within the LIFE Lynx project we also focused on the future of the Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx population. On its own, the population remains too small to avoid the increase of inbreeding in the next decades, and will need gene flow from other populations, either naturally through establishment of a Dinaric – Alpine metapopulation, or assisted with translocations. We explored the impact of the translocations on the lynx population using computer modelling. We also simulated population development under several management scenarios that would ensure the future viability of the reinforced population.
In March, the first Joint conference of the Alpine and Carpathian Conventions for the exchange of practices on management of large carnivores took place in Slovenia. At the conference, representatives from 13 countries exchanged their experiences and solutions implemented within their countries. The conference was also a unique opportunity for policy experts to establish close cooperation in this field.
Guidelines for Ensuring Long-term Viability and Vitality of Lynx in the Dinaric Mountains and South Eastern Alps were presented at the conference within the talk by Tomaž Skrbinšek entitled “Countering genetic erosion of lynx population in Dinaric Mountains and Eastern Alps: why long-term genetic management is needed, and how to do it.” The history of the dinaric population was presented and how well the LIFE Lynx project reinforcement worked when looking at the genetic data. He explained how computer simulations can help us plan the future translocations and emphised that geneflow is essential, either natural or assisted.
Tomaž Skrbinšek, University of Ljubljana; “Lynx can not survive in isolation!” Photo: Maja Sever
Panel discussion on lynx conservation. Photo: Nika Mohorič
The event was organised by Slovenia Forest Service in the scope of the Interreg Central Europe project LECA. Both conventions, with support of the Slovenian Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, co-hosted the event.
In the social evening of the event, the project film Together for Lynx was screened, and more than 50 participants from 13 European countries learned about the efforts of the LIFE Lynx project to save the Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx population from extinction.
Screening of the film Together for Lynx. Photo: LIFE Lynx