Factors shaping the genetic status of reintroduced Eurasian Lynx populations in Central Europe

0519798 - ÚBO 2020 DE eng A - Abstract
Reiners, T. E. - Mueller, S. - Breitenmoser-Würsten, C. - Klinga, P. - Konec, M. - Krojerová-Prokešová, Jarmila - Sindičič, M. - Skrbinšek, T. - Tám, B. - Nowak, C.
Factors shaping the genetic status of reintroduced Eurasian Lynx populations in Central Europe.
Conservation of the Lynx in West and Central Europe. Bonn: Stiftung Natur und Umwelt Rheinland-Pfalz, 2019. s. 25.
[Conservation of the Lynx in West and Central Europe. 16.06.2019-19.06.2019, Bonn]
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Eurasian lynx * Central Europe * Harz Mountains * Palatine Forest * reintroduction * genomic analysis
OECD category: Ecology

Reintroductions are a promising but often challenging way to support species survival and help them re-occupy lost habitats. Reintroductions run a high risk of encountering genetic problems, which contribute to the long-term failure of many (if not most) reintroductions (founder effect, isolation). Here we present genetic status of two reintroduced lynx populations (Harz Mts, Palatine Forest) and compare findings with data from other reintroduced and natural populations. We suggest that origin of founder individuals, initial founder size and time since reintroduction are the crucial factors explaining relative levels of genetic diversity between the reintroduced populations. Last, we show the first results of a comparative genome wide study, which will provide for the first time robust estimates of genetic diversity and inbreeding across the different Central European lynx populations.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0304790