Large predators in the Alps: The fall and rise of man's competitors

Causes of Mortality in Reintroduced Eurasian Lynx in Switzerland

“…Since 1983, lynx have been followed by means of radiotelemetry in different study areas in the Alps (Haller, 1992;Breitenmoser and Haller, 1993;Breitenmoser et al, 1998) and the Jura Mountains (Breitenmoser et al, 1993). Since 1987, lynx carcasses which were found in connection with the radiotelemetry program and those reported to the state game wardens were sent to the Institute of Animal Pathology (IAP), University of Bern, for postmortem examination.…”

“…Due to improved habitat conditions and recovery of the prey base in the 20th century, lynx were reintroduced into the Alps of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy and into the adjacent Jura Mountains in Switzerland and Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia in the 1970s (Breitenmoser and Breitenmoser-Wü rsten, 1990). In Switzerland, two small distinct lynx populations developed after an expansion during the 1970s and 1980s (Breitenmoser, 1998). One population is located in the Swiss Alps extending slightly into France and Italy and one in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland and France.…”

“…One population is located in the Swiss Alps extending slightly into France and Italy and one in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland and France. Each population was estimated to consist of approximately 50 adult resident individuals (Breitenmoser et al, 1998). After the first population growth phase, the expansion halted in spite of the fact that suitable habitat was still available, especially in the Alps (Breitenmoser, 1998).…”

“…Each population was estimated to consist of approximately 50 adult resident individuals (Breitenmoser et al, 1998). After the first population growth phase, the expansion halted in spite of the fact that suitable habitat was still available, especially in the Alps (Breitenmoser, 1998). Mortality among juveniles and adults was estimated to be high in both populations (Haller, 1992;Breitenmoser et al, 1993;Breitenmoser et al, 1998), primarily due to human related causes, including vehicular collisions and poaching.…”

“…After the first population growth phase, the expansion halted in spite of the fact that suitable habitat was still available, especially in the Alps (Breitenmoser, 1998). Mortality among juveniles and adults was estimated to be high in both populations (Haller, 1992;Breitenmoser et al, 1993;Breitenmoser et al, 1998), primarily due to human related causes, including vehicular collisions and poaching. The lynx is a protected species (Swiss Federal Law on the Hunting and Protection of Free Living Mammals and Birds (JSV), 1988) and the wildlife units of the Swiss cantons are obliged to report any lynx mortality.…”