Some notes on the systematics of the Balkan lynx

Kora Bericht, 2004

Koordinierte Forschungsprojekte zur Erhaltung und zum Management der Raubtiere in der Schweiz. Coordinated research projects for the conservation and management of carnivores in Switzerland. Projets de recherches coordonnés pour la conservation et la gestion des carnivores en Suisse. KORA, Thunstrasse 31, CH-3074 Muri. Tel +41-31-951 70 40, Fax +41-31-951 90 40, Email: [email protected], http://www.kora.unibe.ch Lynx Survey Europe 2001 KORA Bericht Nr. 19 englisch: Status and conservation of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe in 2001 Bearbeitung Manuela von Arx, Christine Breitenmoser-Adaptation Würsten, Fridolin Zimmermann and Editorship Urs Breitenmoser Bezugsquelle KORA, Thunstrasse 31, CH-3074 Muri Source T +41 31 951 70 40 / F +41 31 951 90 40 Source [email protected] Titelzeichnung Jacques Rime Frontispiece Cover drawing Online Version ELOIS (Eurasian Lynx Online Information System for Europe):

Veterinarski …, 2010

The last specimens of the autochthonous Eurasian lynx (The last specimens of the autochthonous Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx Lynx lynx) in Croatia were exterminated in) in Croatia were exterminated in Primorsko-Goranska County in around 1903. Lynx dispersed back to Croatia after six animals were reintroduced Primorsko-Goranska County in around 1903. Lynx dispersed back to Croatia after six animals were reintroduced to Slovenia from Slovakia in 1973. Today, lynx are under legislative protection in Croatia and its population to Slovenia from Slovakia in 1973. Today, lynx are under legislative protection in Croatia and its population is defi ned as highly endangered. Cranial morphometry was used to analyse a sample of 58 skulls obtained is defi ned as highly endangered. Cranial morphometry was used to analyse a sample of 58 skulls obtained from animals of the reintroduced population in order to identify geographical variation, sexual dimorphism and from animals of the reintroduced population in order to identify geographical variation, sexual dimorphism and sex-linked cranial characters. Eighty-fi ve cranial measurements were recorded from each skull. Males were sex-linked cranial characters. Eighty-fi ve cranial measurements were recorded from each skull. Males were signifi cantly larger than the females in 39 of the 85 cranial measurements, whereas only one measurement, the signifi cantly larger than the females in 39 of the 85 cranial measurements, whereas only one measurement, the postorbital constriction, was greater in females. Our research indicates that lynx in Croatia are more similar to postorbital constriction, was greater in females. Our research indicates that lynx in Croatia are more similar to lynx from Czech than from Norway. No evidence was found for differences in cranial measurements between lynx from Czech than from Norway. No evidence was found for differences in cranial measurements between the Croatian reintroduced and the Balkan autochthonous lynx population, so there is no reason to defi ne the later the Croatian reintroduced and the Balkan autochthonous lynx population, so there is no reason to defi ne the later population as a separate subspecies, population as a separate subspecies, Lynx lynx martinoi Lynx lynx martinoi ssp. ssp.

In Slovenia, the status of the reintroduced Eurasian lynx population is monitored using the SCALP (Status and Conservation of Alpine Lynx Populations) methodology. Monitoring is organized by the Slovenia Forest Service in cooperation with other institutions and individuals. We analysed the data for the 2005-2009 monitoring period and compared it with the previous periods to explore population status and trends for the northern part of the Dinaric population. During this last pentad we recorded six C1 category data points, 832 data points of category C2, and 96 points of category C3. These numbers are comparable to the previously reported period of 2000-2004. The spatial distribution of signs of lynx presence remained similar compared to the previous period. Presence and status of the lynx are easier to interpret because of additional telemetry data and a habitat suitability that has been produced since the last report. We assume that this lynx population is critically endangered, because of demographic as well as genetic reasons. To prevent local extinction, an active approach is needed for revitalization of the population which would address demographic factors as well as improve the depleted gene pool.

2012

In Slovenia, the status of the re-introduced Eurasian lynx population is monitored using the SCALP (Status and Conservation of Alpine Lynx Populations) methodology. Monitoring is organized by the Slovenia Forest Service in cooperation with other institutions and individuals. We analysed the data for the 2005-2009 moni- toring period and compared it with the previous periods to explore population status and trends for the northern part of the Dinaric population. During this last pentad we recorded six C1 category data points, 832 data points of category C2, and 96 points of category C3. These numbers are comparable to the previously reported period of 2000-2004. The spatial distribution of signs of lynx presence remained similar com- pared to the previous period. Presence and status of the lynx are easier to interpret because of additional telemetry data and a habitat suitability that has been produced since the last report. We assume that this lynx population is critically endangere...

The Balkan lynx is the most endangered autochthonous population of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx. The present known distribution of the Balkan lynx is restricted to the border areas between Macedonia and Albania, spreading north into Montenegro and Kosovo. The Balkan lynx has probably only survived because the border region between former Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece were areas with limited access and therefore partly protected. But the population is now estimated to be less than 100 individuals and must be considered as Critically Endangered according to IUCN Red List criteria. In 2005, initial workshops in Albania and Macedonia and an international meeting under the auspice of the Council of Europe (Bern Convention) led to the initiation of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme. The programme aims to help conserve Balkan lynx by raising awareness, establishing a broad partnership between national authorities, conservation institutions and local people, and building capacity for wildlife conservation in the two countries. The general approach is to combine a species conservation project with landscape conservation in the frame of the European Green Belt Initiative. The Balkan lynx serves as an umbrella species whose conservation will also conserve its habitats and prey species, and as a flagship species for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity rich landscapes in the south-western Balkans.

Wildlife Biology, 2007

Home-range size of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx was studied in two different mountain ranges of the Polish Carpathians during 1999-2004. We livetrapped and radio-collared five adult lynx (two males and three females). One female was probably killed only 10 days after being radio-collared. Home-range size of radio-collared individuals calculated for the whole period of radio-tracking (MCP with 100% observations) was 164 km 2 for male M1 from the Beskid Sa˛decki Mountains, and it was 124 and 190 km 2 , respectively, for the two females F1 and F2 and 199 km 2 for male M2 in the Bieszczady Mountains.

The last officially registered lynx in Bulgaria was killed in 1941 and is considered extinct from the country. Since then there are only unofficial reports of local people throughout the whole country as none of them was officially confirmed. In the last 15 years more and more reports for seen or illegally killed lynx in Bulgaria are gathered from different sources. In May 2008 we initiated two projects to record animal presence and behaviour by 8 Moultrie camera traps. On 21st of November 2008 in 6:38 and 6:39 am a camera trap placed for observation of a badger set registered two photos of adult male lynx. This evidence is equal to quality one level of data reliability, according to the common standards for the interpretation of the monitoring data on a Pan-Alpine level accepted by the Pan-Alpine Conservation Strategy for the Lynx. This is considered the first real proof of lynx presence in Bulgaria. Development of the lynx population through the last years is discussed below.

2004

The ecology, status, and conservation needs of the critically endangered Balkan lynx are not well understood. Therefore, there was a need to conduct a baseline survey in the potential lynx range in Albania and Macedonia. The aim of the baseline survey was to assess the distribution and relative abundance of lynx and other large carnivores as well as potential prey species (wild ungulates, lagomorphs and tetraonids) by means of interview techniques. Surveys were conducted in previously selected villages in western Macedonia and in the northern and eastern parts of Albania. The set-up of the questionnaire, sampling areas and target profiles of interviewees were defined in order to cover the entire potential range and to focus on key informants. Study areas were defined using 10x10 km grid maps of both countries. In total, 64 grid cells for Macedonia and 67 grid cells for Albania were selected as known and potential lynx distribution areas. In each cell, at least one village was randomly selected to be visited. In Macedonia, a total of 154 villages were visited and 560 persons were interviewed. According to the results of the questionnaire survey, lynx presence was confirmed for the areas of Mavrovo NP and Stogovo-Karaorman Mts. Moreover, certain indications for lynx presence appear in the areas of Shar Planina Mt, Ilinska-Plakenska Mts and Jablanica Mt. In Albania, 320 questionnaires were completed in 91 villages. Lynx presence was only confirmed for the area of Eastern Albanian Alps (Prokletije Mountains) and Shebenik-Jabllanica region.

Acta Theriologica, 2011

The Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx (Linnaeus 1758) is an opportunistic predator that usually selects the smallest ungulate available. Its diet varies considerably among different regions; therefore it is important to study lynx diet in different parts of the species' range. We studied the diet of lynx from the endangered Dinaric population in Slovenia and Croatia by analyzing lynx scats, prey remains, and stomach contents. Dinaric lynx mainly killed European roe deer Capreolus capreolus (0.64 frequency of occurrence, 79% of all consumed biomass), which were used more frequently during winter and spring. Ungulates were killed more often by adult males than by lynx of other age and sex groups. In contrast to studies from other regions, lynx in the northern Dinaric Mountains also frequently fed on the edible dormice Glis glis (0.18 frequency of occurrence, 7% of all consumed biomass). This large rodent appears to be an important alternative prey, especially for females and young lynx, and was the reason for the highest use of rodents reported so far for the Eurasian lynx. Edible dormice in Dinaric forests have highly variable numbers of active animals. Seasonal and possibly annual variation in dormouse availability obviously affects lynx diet. This is a rare example where variability in the availability of the alternative prey and not the preferred prey leads to the dietary shift. This study confirms the opportunistic nature of Eurasian lynx and the regional variability of its diet.

Acta Zoologica Lituanica, 2002

4,873 records of Eurasian lynx occurrence in the Czech Republic (CR) were obtained from 1990. During 19901994, the occurrence was recorded in 21.7% of the territory of the CR, during 19951999 in 35.6% and during 20002001 in 20.5%. The Eurasian lynx population was at its peak in 19971998 with abundance 100150 individuals. The current estimate shows only 80100 animals. Four of the nine radio-telemetrically monitored Eurasian lynx have probably been illegally shot. Hunters attitude to the Eurasian lynx was examined on the basis of anonymous questionnaires in the areas of Eurasian lynx occurrence. Only 19.2% of the polled hunters believed the Eurasian lynx to play a positive role in ecosystems, 36.9% of them were aware of concrete cases of illegal hunting and 10.3% of them admitted to killing the Eurasian lynx illegally. Poaching turns out to be the most serious cause of the decrease of Eurasian lynx population in the CR. The attitude of students of game management to the Eurasian lynx was more positive.

Current data on the distribution and ecology of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Turkey are limited. Furthermore, lynx in the Caucasus region are likely to represent a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, the Caucasian lynx (L. l. dinniki). Throughout its range, lynx increasingly face threats due to human activity, with habitat loss and prey depletion being of particular concern in eastern Turkey. As part of our camera trapping efforts to monitor large carnivores in the Sarıkamış-Allahuekber National Park and surrounding forests in Kars and Erzurum provinces, eastern Turkey, we have documented a breeding population of Caucasian lynx outside the species’ published range. In addition to the threats above, vehicle strikes, poaching, and guardian dogs also threaten this small population. There is an urgent need for ecological research, awareness raising, and community-based conservation efforts focused on large carnivores in the region. Key words: Anatolia, camera trapping, carnivore, cats, Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, human–wildlife conflict, threatened species

Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 2022

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Conservation …, 2009

North-Western Journal of Zoology, 2010

Abstract. Despite having a large range in the Romanian Carpathians, the ecology of Eurasian lynx is relatively misunderstood, particularly concerning the size of its home range and utilized resources. By means of a collar equipped with a GPS device, the movements of a mature lynx female were monitored for a period of 305 days in the northwestern section of Vrancea Mountains. The area of the female's home range is estimated at 486.11 km2, a significantly larger area than what had been recorded previously for Romania. The ...