Project description
Lynx movements help lynx conservation
Conservation translocations (CTs) attempt to reinforce or bring back endangered populations of animal species for ecosystem and biodiversity enhancement, such as the two emblematic species of lynx in Europe: the Eurasian and the Iberian lynx. In CTs, the selection of release sites is mostly based on expert knowledge and habitat selection analyses of animals in their source environment. However, CTs often show partial success due to environmental and human factors. The EU-funded LYNXONTHEMOVE project wants to use empirical information from the observed post-release behaviour of already translocated lynxes. This multidisciplinary research will combine geospatial methods, reintroduction science, conservation biology, and animal ecology and behaviour to help CTs succeed.
Objective
Conservation translocations (CT) assist to restore populations of relevant animal species for ecosystem and biodiversity enhancement, such as the two emblematic species of lynx in Europe: the Eurasian and the Iberian lynx. Often, CT show partial success due to multiple environmental and local human factors. Moreover, the selection of release sites is mostly based on expert knowledge and habitat selection analyses of animals in their source environment. Critical to improving release site selection methods is the use of empirical information from the observed post-release behaviour of already translocated lynxes. Using cutting-edge animal movement analyses and computational simulations in the context of conducted reintroduction programs of the Eurasian and the Iberian lynx in Slovenia and Spain, respectively, this project will assist to improve decision-making on release site and CT success. It will 1) model the post-release behavioural states of both reintroduced Eurasian lynxes and Iberian lynxes (prior to settling) and how they are related to environmental and human factors; and 2) produce ‘LynxOnTheMove’, a software to simulate and predict optimal release site scenarios. This multidisciplinary research will combine geospatial methods, reintroduction science, conservation biology, and animal ecology and behaviour. The fellow has outstanding experience and expertise in these fields obtained in New Zealand and Europe, which in conjunction with the expertise of Miha Krofel (action supervisor) in carnivore ecology and conservation will ensure a valuable transfer of knowledge and enable me to carry out research that will have an impact for Europe. Findings will be openly disseminated in scientific publications, conferences, seminars, workshops, and general publications and the media. Thus, scientists, stakeholders, the general public will all greatly benefit. This action will provide the fellow with greatly valuable training to become an independent researcher.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencecomputer visionmotion analysis
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
- social sciencespsychologyergonomics
- natural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia