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Genetic Management and Population Rescue Of an Inbred Felid: A Case Study on Dinaric population of Eurasian Lynx

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Genetic Management and Population Rescue Of an Inbred Felid: A Case Study on Dinaric population of Eurasian Lynx
Authors: Gomerčić, Tomislav, Topličanec, Ira, Sindičić, Magda
Publisher Information: 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Subject Terms: individual-based modelling, genetic rescue, population reinforcement, Lynx lynx
Description: In small populations, inbreeding depression poses a severe threat, resulting in fixation of deleterious mutations and a decline in survival probability. While establishing natural gene flow is an ideal long-term solution, implementing it under real-life conditions is often impossible due to the lack of habitat connectivity. Thus, population reinforcement, involving translocations of individuals from larger populations, is a viable conservation strategy. This study focuses on the Dinaric lynx population, reintroduced in 1973, which started facing extinction due to inbreeding depression at the end of the 20th century. Between 2019 and 2023, we implemented a population reinforcement initiative, translocating 12 outbred individuals to the Dinaric Mountains. We used comprehensive genetic monitoring, and assessed genetic status before and during the reinforcement. We used individual-based genetic-demographic modeling to predict long-term viability under various management scenarios, highlighting the ongoing necessity of genetic management. Results indicate that reinforcement is just an initial step, and continuous genetic management is imperative. The Dinaric lynx case provides important insights for successful management genetics for population conservation. The knowledge gained is not only crucial for the long-term conservation of this particular population, but also serves as a model for other wildlife populations facing extinction risks due to inbreeding.
Document Type: Conference object
DOI: 10.6092/unibo/amsacta/7995
Access URL: https://eccb2024.eu/book-of-abstracts/
Accession Number: edsair.dris...01492..75f4a2152f7319477614e1c2d2b51e7f
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:In small populations, inbreeding depression poses a severe threat, resulting in fixation of deleterious mutations and a decline in survival probability. While establishing natural gene flow is an ideal long-term solution, implementing it under real-life conditions is often impossible due to the lack of habitat connectivity. Thus, population reinforcement, involving translocations of individuals from larger populations, is a viable conservation strategy. This study focuses on the Dinaric lynx population, reintroduced in 1973, which started facing extinction due to inbreeding depression at the end of the 20th century. Between 2019 and 2023, we implemented a population reinforcement initiative, translocating 12 outbred individuals to the Dinaric Mountains. We used comprehensive genetic monitoring, and assessed genetic status before and during the reinforcement. We used individual-based genetic-demographic modeling to predict long-term viability under various management scenarios, highlighting the ongoing necessity of genetic management. Results indicate that reinforcement is just an initial step, and continuous genetic management is imperative. The Dinaric lynx case provides important insights for successful management genetics for population conservation. The knowledge gained is not only crucial for the long-term conservation of this particular population, but also serves as a model for other wildlife populations facing extinction risks due to inbreeding.
DOI:10.6092/unibo/amsacta/7995