Survival of Eurasian lynx in the human‐dominated landscape of Europe

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

Abstract Survival and cause‐specific mortality rates are vital for evidence‐based population forecasting conservation, particularly large carnivores, whose populations often vulnerable to human‐caused mortalities. It is therefore important know the relationship between anthropogenic natural causes evaluate whether they additive or compensatory. Further, relation survival environmental covariates could reveal specific landscape characteristics influence demographic performance. We used telemetry data on 681 Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ), a model apex predator with spatial requirements, that were tracked across their European distribution. Through time‐to‐event analyses, we sought determine variables associated differences in survival. Illegal killing was main cause of (33.8%), similar protected hunted (8.6% 7.0% per year, respectively). varied greatly (70–95% year). Across all study sites, higher hunting partially compensated by lower other but not alone. Variation depended sex (female 1.5 times greater than male survival) seasonality (highest risk during season winter), correlated human modification landscapes at both coarse (home range composition) fine (habitat use within home range) scales. Some variation driven unobserved factors, which, given high mortalities, including illegal killing, foremost concern. Due low populations, conclude likely close additive, such maintaining increasing refuge habitat little disturbance critical conservation.

Language: Английский

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Functional connectivity and the current arrangement of protected areas show multiple, poorly protected dispersal corridors for the Eurasian lynx

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291, P. 110498 - 110498

Published: Feb. 19, 2024

Landscape connectivity is essential for the conservation of large carnivores, particularly in highly fragmented landscapes. Despite was nearing extinction, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) recovers Europe, owing to reintroduction projects that have re-established several subpopulations. However, some these subpopulations are small and isolated, possibly incurring into reduced genetic diversity. To establish a functional metapopulation facilitating movements crucial, modeling could support identification optimal solutions connect Here, we assessed habitat current future scenarios, between European subpopulations, applying two different approaches, namely Circuit theory-based least-cost path techniques. Moreover, evaluated potential Protected Areas (EPAs) form an ecological network able Our results show connections occur Jura, Alpine, Bohemian-Bavarian-Austrian (BBA), Dinaric populations, while Balkan less connected. Carpathian population has act as source BBA subpopulation, if properly We report that, currently, only 21 % crucial corridors covered by EPAs, those often disturbed human infrastructures. High among EPAs occurs Central Eastern Carpathian, Alpine unprotected areas appear BBA, Baltic, Balkans subpopulation. enhance connections, test Agenda 2030 goals, find management actions focusing on dispersal corridors, also proving transboundary cooperation pivotal.

Language: Английский

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Density-dependent dinner: Wild boar overuse agricultural land at high densities

European Journal of Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 70(1)

Published: Jan. 19, 2024

Abstract The Swedish wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) population has increased rapidly over the last decades, resulting in conflicts with human activities. Particularly, increase been challenging for agriculture as cause damage on crops and grasslands. To predict under what conditions to expect where prioritize management actions, basic knowledge about habitat space use is needed. In this study, we used data from 99 equipped GPS-collars, collected a large temporal scale throughout their distributional range southern Sweden. We investigated home size across gradients of availability density. Functional response was assessed by estimating agricultural land individual level then, population-level evaluating how changed changing availability. Finally, potential evaluated relation density, i.e., interaction between Home negatively related density both male female boar. Wild more intensively increasing when other types were less available. Our findings show that spatial behavior highly context dependent may vary considerably due landscape characteristics local conditions. boars tend overuse at high densities which strong implications wildlife management. It therefore important consider predicting Overall, study provided better understanding drivers distribution agro-forested mosaic landscapes can improve practices.

Language: Английский

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Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(7)

Published: June 20, 2024

Abstract Context Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited general topographical habitat characteristics rarely consider effects microhabitat characteristics. Objectives We used Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) as a model species investigate human infrastructure on selection. also tested whether there evidence for functional response in selection across large gradient availability. Methods developed new approach detecting outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques GPS-telemetry data, we assessed responses two geologically contrasting areas Europe. Results detected > 1 million confirmed their strong by lynx. selected steep, rugged, especially day-resting sites. Furthermore, avoided paths during day but them linear anthropogenic night, indicating behaviour-specific impact infrastructure. observed lynx’ such habitats increased lower This highlights importance preserving terrains, when they rare landscape. Conclusions Our results highlight incorporating data features animal research. recommend caution developing recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological terrain.

Language: Английский

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Space use of a diverse megafauna community in a rewilding area in the southwestern Carpathians

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 302, P. 110977 - 110977

Published: Jan. 14, 2025

Language: Английский

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Low genetic polymorphism and no population genetic structure detected during the natural recolonization of a large carnivore to its previous range

Conservation Genetics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 25, 2025

Language: Английский

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Abundance and Diversity of Fruit-Feeding Butterflies in Federal University of Lafia

Published: April 16, 2025

Fruit-feeding butterflies, an ecologically significant group, play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions, particularly tropical subtropical regions. This study aimed at comparing the abundance diversity of fruit-feeding butterflies two habitats Federal University Lafia Permanent Site, Nasarawa State from July to August, 2024. Butterflies were trapped using rotten banana fermented palm wine which was placed dish suspended butterfly trap allowed stand between hours 7:00 am 6:00 pm each survey day. Temperature relative humidity recorded when set-up as time traps removed. A total 35 individual this belong family Nymphalidae spread across three species namely; Charaxes epijasius (48.6%), C.varenes vologeses (28.6%), C. boueti (22.8%). The accounted for highest population both gallery forest savannah woodland differences ((2 = 10.993, df 2, P 0.004102). There difference 4, 1, 0.0455) habitat types. had positive influence on In conclusion, research contributes better understanding ecological dynamics Site wet season period. Hence, felling trees cattle grazing within premises should be discouraged.

Language: Английский

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Promoting the conservation of the leopard in North China based on habitat suitability and connectivity

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 50, P. e02817 - e02817

Published: Jan. 23, 2024

Protection of large carnivores is a global biodiversity conservation issue. Habitat fragmentation has had negative impact on the abundance and distribution leopards (Panthera pardus) worldwide. Understanding survival in these human dominated fragmented landscapes major challenge. This study was conducted to assess habitat suitability for North China leopard pardus japonensis) China, determine connectivity corridors potential areas restoration support leopards. We used occurrence points maximun entropy model examine suitability. Based graph-based metric (the probability connectivity, PC), we evaluated within each protected area. Through circuit theory modeling least-cost path method, determined important that were most likely improve habitat. The results showed forest coverage population density (POP) variables contributed prediction, with positive association non-linear relationship increasing POP. Approximately 17% core suitable habitats located current areas. PC value area positively correlated its (r=0.475, p<0.05). mainly between groups or (composed highly connected areas). highlighted protection should be carried out multiple scales, such as area, areas, groups. research methods proposed our could also provide insights sustainable management other carnivores.

Language: Английский

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Supporting Reintroduction Planning: A Framework Integrating Habitat Suitability, Connectivity and Individual‐Based Modelling. A Case Study With the Eurasian Lynx in the Apennines

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Reintroducing carnivores is a widely used approach to restore the natural integrity of ecosystems. Species distribution models (SDMs) and connectivity analyses are valuable tools for planning reintroductions identifying release sites but rarely combined. We propose new framework combining SDMs, modelling individual‐based (IBMs) assess feasibility various reintroduction scenarios. As case study, we applied this plan potential Eurasian lynx ( Lynx ) Apennines by: (i) assessing niche overlap between source target populations; (ii) integrating habitat suitability select (iii) evaluating outcomes through IBMs. Location Apennines, Peninsular Italy. Methods combined analysis, ensembles fine‐tuned SDMs circuit‐theory techniques model connectivity. Then, integrated predictions within GIS environment identify optimal under different Finally, IBMs population viability, site occupancy dispersal. Results Niche suggested that Carpathian populations may serve as valid source. Integrating highlighted most functional in Central (CA) Northern (NA). A scenario with individuals released both CA NA did not outperform single‐area Releasing only showed long‐term higher risk isolation, while would result viable long term, despite closer proximity suitable areas Alps. Main Conclusions Our can help practitioners selection species reintroductions. recommend incorporating demography, well dispersal settlement phases, when This identifies critical mortality areas, predicts size, enhances decision‐making successful

Language: Английский

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A shifting carnivore’s community: habitat modeling suggests increased overlap between the golden jackal and the Eurasian lynx in Europe

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Oct. 12, 2023

Introduction The European large carnivore community is recently showing positive trends. Beyond those, other species are expanding in Europe. In recent decades, the golden jackal ( Canis aureus ), a medium-sized canid, has rapidly expanded to western and northern Europe, after being historically confined Balkans. Eurasian lynx Lynx an apex predator once widely distributed throughout was nearly eradicated 19th century. Recent reintroductions, legal protection, its natural expansion brought recover, though some populations still face extinction. As carnivores’ across Europe rearranging, ecological interactions changing as well. Indeed, observations reported kleptoparasitize lynx. Our research aims predict potentially suitable habitats for lynx, detailing areas where those expected coexist soon. Methods We model their distribution current future scenarios, using both citizen-science literature data, latter buffer possible biases of former. For this aim, we included not only climatic variables, but also several biotic abiotic predictors relevant species. Moreover, given his strong influence on jackal, compare our results with predicted grey wolf lupus ). Results predictions show increase habitat suitability while opposite trend Also, target share portion range future, most these wolves, too. Discussion may have impacts context large-scale management, helping further identify critical conservation, supporting management shedding light

Language: Английский

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