Former range and decline of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) reconstructed using verified records

Gil‐Sánchez, José María; McCain, Emil B.

doi:10.1644/10-mamm-a-381.1

Cited by 20 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…The use of anecdotal and/or unverifiable data can lead to errors in the perceived distribution of the Iberian lynx-in this case-and of other rare or elusive species (Boshoff and Kerley 2010;Gil-Sánchez and McCain 2011;Molinari-Jobin et al 2012). Unverified observation data are considered notoriously unreliable by most scientists, and many disciplines endeavour to rule out or-at least-limit their use (McKelvey et al 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, some recent studies have questioned the reliability of these findings. For instance, Gil-Sánchez and McCain (2011) reconstructed the Iberian lynx's range from 1940 to the present day using only historical records verified with undisputable physical evidence. These authors compared their results with the species' estimated distribution between 1950 and 1988 based on questionnaires (Rodriguez and Delibes 1992;Rodríguez and Delibes 2002) and concluded that this sighting data overestimated the Iberian lynx's distribution and misrepresented the severity of its decline.…”

Section: Communicated By P Acevedomentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing unverified observation data used for estimating Iberian lynx distribution

Garrote

Ayala²

2015

Eur J Wildl Res

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Anecdotal occurrence data are often used to assess the current and historical ranges of elusive species. However, the use of such data can lead to misidentifications that may result in the overestimation of the species' range and thus have potentially negative consequences for species conservation and management. Despite being a widely criticized practice, anecdotal sighting data have been used to establish the range of the Iberian lynx. We assessed the accuracy of anecdotal sighting data by drawing comparisons with non-invasive standard sampling methods that depend on verifiable physical evidence of the presence of the Iberian lynx to establish its range. The study was carried out in the central and northern part of the Iberian lynx populations that were believed to exist in the 1980s. The study area was divided into 10×10 km Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) squares, in which interviews regarding sightings and scat and camera trapping surveys were conducted. A total of 82 lynx sightings were obtained in 44 different squares, but only one scat was located and no photographs were obtained. Our results show that the use of sighting data overestimates the range of the species when compared to the range obtained using physically verifiable data. Anecdotal data are considered to be notoriously unreliable by most scientists, yet, in the case of the Iberian lynx, this type of data continues to be used. Iberian lynx conservation and management decisions must be taken based solely on verified existing records to avoid wasting the limited resources available for conservation and to prevent inappropriate management decisions from being taken.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Communicated By P Acevedomentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing unverified observation data used for estimating Iberian lynx distribution

Garrote

Ayala²

2015

Eur J Wildl Res

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“…In 1994 the European Union and several Spanish and Portuguese government agencies committed €1,306,021 to Iberian lynx conservation (Table 1). During the 1990s widespread presence–absence surveys showed that most populations were extirpated (Gil‐Sánchez & McCain 2011), and little research attention was dedicated to the species outside Doñana National Park (DNP) in southern Spain. After the species’ critically endangered status was recognized by Guzmán et al (2004), intensive monitoring and habitat and prey (rabbit [ Oryctolagus cuniculus ]) restoration programs began.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, all programs implemented through the ILLP have been reviewed by an international group of researchers and managers, and ongoing external cross‐validation analyses (Gusset et al 2010) are evaluating the effectiveness of ILLP actions. In the past, indirect methods, such as sighting reports and mailed surveys, were used to monitor Iberian lynx populations (i.e., Rodríguez & Delibes 1992); however, use of anecdotal data overestimates lynx abundance and distribution because species are misidentified and there are temporal and spatial inaccuracies (Guzmán et al 2004; Gil‐Sánchez & McCain 2011). Currently, camera‐trap data collected following internationally standardized methods are used to estimate Iberian lynx abundance, distribution, home range, reproductive success, and individual body condition (Guzmán et al 2004; Garrote et al 2011; Gil‐Sánchez et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reverse of the Decline of the Endangered Iberian Lynx

Simón

Gil‐Sánchez

Ruiz

et al. 2012

Conservation Biology

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“…Sorting past and present patterns of diversity are further complicated by traditional taxonomic treatments that may not accurately reflect phylogenetic diversity (Graham et al 2004;Pfenninger & Schwenk 2007). Historical records documenting the actions that ultimately altered diversity and distribution provide one means of assessing the cause and magnitude of change (Westley & Fleming 2011) and reconstructing historical distributions of species (Franco & Morgan 2007;Gil-Sanchez & McCain 2011). Another way to estimate regional diversity and historical distributions, particularly for taxa plagued with taxonomic uncertainties, is to analyse genetic data from samples collected prior to human activities (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Historical stocking data and 19th century DNA reveal human‐induced changes to native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout

et al. 2012

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Many species are threatened with extinction and efforts are underway worldwide to restore imperilled species to their native ranges. Restoration requires knowledge of species' historical diversity and distribution. For some species, many populations were extirpated or individuals moved beyond their native range before native diversity and distribution were documented, resulting in a lack of accurate information for establishing restoration goals. Moreover, traditional taxonomic assessments often failed to accurately capture phylogenetic diversity. We illustrate a general approach for estimating regional native diversity and distribution for cutthroat trout in the Southern Rocky Mountains. We assembled a large archive of historical records documenting human-mediated change in the distribution of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and combined these data with phylogenetic analysis of 19th century samples from museums collected prior to trout stocking activities and contemporary DNA samples. Our study of the trout in the Southern Rocky Mountains uncovered six divergent lineages, two of which went extinct, probably in the early 20th century. A third lineage, previously declared extinct, was discovered surviving in a single stream outside of its native range. Comparison of the historical and modern distributions with stocking records revealed that the current distribution of trout largely reflects intensive stocking early in the late 19th and early 20th century from two phylogenetically and geographically distinct sources. Our documentation of recent extinctions, undescribed lineages, errors in taxonomy and dramatic range changes induced by human movement of fish underscores the importance of the historical record when developing and implementing conservation plans for threatened and endangered species.

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Former range and decline of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) reconstructed using verified records

Cited by 20 publications

References 32 publications

Assessing unverified observation data used for estimating Iberian lynx distribution

Assessing unverified observation data used for estimating Iberian lynx distribution

Reverse of the Decline of the Endangered Iberian Lynx

Historical stocking data and 19th century DNA reveal human‐induced changes to native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout

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