Diverging ecological traits between the Balkan lynx and neighbouring populations as a basis for planning its genetic rescue

Abstract

Selecting appropriate candidates for genetic rescue mostly relies on previous genetic research and monitoring, while ecological and behavioural traits of the remnant and source populations are rarely considered for such conservation measures. Because of their slow recovery, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx populations in Central and Western Europe have been a repeated target of genetic reinforcements and reintroductions in the past 50 years. Once inhabiting much of south-eastern Europe, the Balkan lynx L. l. balcanicus is now critically endangered and confined to a small population. Long-term isolation has caused loss of genetic diversity and has possibly led to inbreeding depression. Immediate actions need to consider genetic reinforcement to increase the genetic diversity and secure population viability. Here, we compared the Balkan lynx with two neighbouring populations: Dinaric population originating from the Carpathian subspecies (L.l. carpathicus) and Anatolian population of Caucasian subspecies (L.l. dinniki) to determine is better suited source from an ecological standpoint. Main findings suggest that the L.l. carpathicus is ecologically more similar to the L.l. balcanicus and therefore likely better suited for the environment of south-western Balkans on the basis of prey preference (roe deer being the main prey), local prey availability (lower lagomorph and higher ungulate availability) and habitat use (predominant use of the mixed and broadleaved forests). We discuss the contrasting results of genetic and ecological analyses from both the evolutionary and conservation perspective and provide potential solutions that would take into account both aspects to pave the road towards potential genetic rescue of the Balkan lynx.

Genome‐environment association analyses reveal geographically restricted adaptive divergence across the range of the widespread Eurasian carnivore Lynx lynx (Linnaeus, 1758)

“…A more challenging case is represented by the Balkan lynx, L. l. balcanicus , whose adaptive differentiation observed in this study is hard to disentangle from the neutral divergence caused by intense genetic drift and prolonged low effective population sizes. Our previous assessment of the Carpathian population as representing the best source of individuals for genetic rescue of this highly endangered population, based on its closest relationship in neutral autosomal variation (Bazzicalupo et al, 2022) and also supported by their ecological similarity (Melovski et al, 2022), could be additionally confirmed by their relative overall adaptive similarity and by their similar environment defined by the most relevant environmental variables.…”

Rehabilitation and release of orphaned Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe: Implications for management and conservation

“…The most prominent example of genetic rehabilitation through introducing individuals from another population stems from the Florida panther ( Puma concolor coryi ), where the release of few individuals substantially increased genetic diversity [ 55 ]. Lastly, saving orphans from highly threatened autochthonous populations such as the Balkan one, can contribute towards the recovery of the subspecies and the genetic viability if the release site is carefully planned [ 56 ]. The use of orphan lynx versus wild-caught individuals for the reintroduction and reinforcement projects could mitigate the pressure on vulnerable wild populations that were used as a source until now.…”