Modelling and computer simulations of post-release movements of European Lynx species to improve decision-making and success of conservation translocations

Project Information

LYNXONTHEMOVE

Grant agreement ID: 101068428

DOI

10.3030/101068428

Project terminated on 31 January 2024

EC signature date 8 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 155 559,36

Coordinated by

UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANI
Slovenia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LYNXONTHEMOVE (Modelling and computer simulations of post-release movements of European Lynx species to improve decision-making and success of conservation translocations)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This study explored the natural and human factors influencing the reintroduction success of two European lynx species: the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). The project specifically focused on understanding and modeling the movements of released individuals. This data will be used to develop a virtual simulation software, aiding future reintroduction decisions through simulated scenarios.

Human activities and direct persecution have fragmented and endangered European large carnivore populations, including both lynx species. Their reintroduction depends on multiple factors, such as successful conservation efforts and species recovery programs. Conservation translocations (CT) aim to restore populations (reintroductions) or bolster existing ones (reinforcements) in their historical ranges. However, CT success remains limited due to various natural and human factors that are not fully understood, particularly how reintroduced animals respond to these challenges.

Following the 2013 IUCN guidelines for reintroductions, which emphasize robust post-release monitoring, this research proposes innovative techniques for spatial and animal movement analyses. By leveraging empirical data on released animals and modern computational capabilities, the project aims to predict optimal conditions in recipient environments. These ground-breaking methods will provide valuable insights for selecting optimal reintroduction sites based on observed behavior, movements, and the response of released individuals to their new habitat.

The recent reintroductions of Eurasian lynx in Slovenia and Iberian lynx in Spain and Portugal provided valuable opportunities to apply these state-of-the-art movement analyses and computer simulations for selecting release sites. This project will generate valuable outputs for ongoing and future lynx reintroduction initiatives and inspire similar applications for other species, ultimately contributing to the advancement of reintroduction biology and ecosystem restoration in Europe.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Despite premature termination, this MSCA project laid the groundwork for continued and expanded research on the factors influencing reintroduction success based on lynx movement analyses. Our initial topic shifted to focusing on analyzing the specific impact of conspecific presence (both male and female) on territory establishment by reintroduced individuals within a given area.

We collected data from GPS collars attached to Eurasian and Iberian lynx after their reintroduction, along with any available data on existing territories identified through various methods (tracked individuals, camera trapping, field surveys). We then selected and processed these datasets.

In addition to data analysis, we developed computer scripts to model lynx movement patterns. Furthermore, we organized a workshop to introduce the project's objectives to European and Spanish colleagues involved in lynx reintroduction. This workshop aimed to foster international collaboration and broaden the scope of our research conclusions.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This project has established a strong foundation for future scientific impact. It identified a cutting-edge approach to modelling reintroduced lynx movements. This approach considers the presence of conspecifics (both males and females) within the release area and relevant anthropogenic features, such as highways and country homes. Focusing on these variables is both scientifically and managerially relevant, as no previous studies have integrated such factors into movement analyses and models. This approach goes beyond other more traditional approaches that solely focus on landscape features and prey availability.

The project's innovative approach has garnered attention and collaboration interest from other lynx reintroduction projects in Europe. This MSCA initiative has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for expanding the project's datasets and objectives through established ongoing collaborations. Completing the proposed lynx movement models by the collaborations established and consolidated through this MSCA project will contribute significantly to improved lynx population restoration through reintroductions. These models will aid in selecting suitable release sites, ultimately boosting reintroduction success.