LIFE19NAT/ES/001055 - Creación de una metapoblación de lince i

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is an endemic feline of the Iberian Peninsula, listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. At the end of 2018, the global population was 686 individuals, 306 of them being mature (160 mature females). The species distribution range extends over 2400 km2 and includes six isolated nuclei: Doana and Sierra Morena in Andalusia, Campo de Calatrava and Montes de Toledo in Castilla La Mancha, Matachel in Extremadura, and Guadiana in Portugal. Doñana and Sierra Morena host 25 and 90 mature females, respectively, and are considered consolidated nuclei. Sierra Morena itself is composed of three nuclei that function as a metapopulation. In each of the other four nuclei there are less than 15 mature females, so they are considered incipient nuclei.

The genetic diversity of the Iberian lynx is among the lowest reported for any species. The success of in situ and ex situ breeding programmes helped to preserve the remaining genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding, through genetic management of the captive population and through translocations. Now it is important to integrate the genetic monitoring and management of both programmes to assure the genetic health and long-term viability of the global population of Iberian lynx. Current rates of natural migration between Iberian lynx nuclei are not enough to guarantee the viability of the global population and to prevent local genetic erosion. In five years, just five individuals have naturally dispersed between nuclei, and a few others have settled in areas between nuclei. Creating stepping-stones in those areas can significantly increase connectivity among every nuclei.