Linking Lynx Protocols
Introduction
The Introduction contains the subchapters Biology, Perspective of the metapopulation of Carpathian lynx, Background on Linking Lynx and Lynx for reintroductions: three sources.
Short Introduction on In Situ Management
In situ Management of a species means the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of the species in its natural habitats i.e. to conserve the species in its natural habitats.
Genetic Monitoring and Recommendations at Metapopulation Level
Genetic monitoring is particularly important for (i) small, reintroduced and isolated populations, and (ii) populations that went through a severe historic bottleneck. As all European lynx populations fall into one or the other category, a sound genetic monitoring is of pivotal importance for this species.
In situ Management of Orphaned Lynx
When apparently orphaned juvenile lynx are found, there is usually the need for some management intervention. Borel et al. (2022) created two decision trees to facilitate the management of young lynx found alone, and therefore potentially orphaned.
Capture of wild and orphaned lynx and transport for release
The handling of the lynx must respect all legal requirements and best practice experience. The ani-mals have to be surveyed during capture, quarantine and transport, and receive medical treatment whenever required by experienced veterinarians.
Post-release monitoring and management interventions for Eurasian lynx in reintroduction or reinforcement projects
Monitoring is an essential element of any reintroduction and, with a somewhat different focus, rein-forcement project.
Guidelines for Public Engagement
Lynx reintroduction and translocation projects must be seen as interdisciplinary projects, combining in-depth species expertise with expertise in social issues. The success of such projects depends heavily on facilitating constructive and cooperative human interactions at all stages of the project.
Breeding Lynx for reintroduction
This chapter provides guidance to what has been considered to be appropriate for enclosures in loca-tion, boundary, substrate, furnishings and maintenance, and dimensions for breeding Eurasian lynx for reintroduction.
Rearing orphaned lynx
If the decision has been taken that an orphaned lynx should be transferred to a rehabilitation center, there are several important aspects that have to be considered for successful rehabilitation.
Ex situ genetic management
In several previous reintroduction attempts of lynx, lack of molecular genetic marker systems and/or unawareness of its importance has led to the release of founder animals of unclear genetic status. There are three equally important goals of genetic testing of captive lynx in the frame of reintroduction programmes.
Rewilding of orphans and zoo born lynx
The rewilding of lynx needs to consider time, method, selection of site and procedure for the release.
Quarantine
Wild caught lynx (incl. orphans) must be put through a period of quarantine until their state of health is confirmed.
Anaesthesia
For captured lynx we use Medetomidine, ketamine, butorphanol, also possible midazolam in populations with an increased risk for cardiovascular complications
Clinical Examniation
The Clinical examination protocol was designed for assessment of the overall health in lynx.