rsg_book_2013

MammalsOverall mortality duringthe first year after releasewas 41.2% (47.4% inGuadalmellato and 33.3%in Guarrizas). Althoughsample size is still low forsolid conclusions, mortalityduring the first year wasbarely lower in wild-caughtindividuals than in captivebornones (29.4% vs.52.9%). Apparently, therewere not differences insurvival, behaviour orsettlement between softandhard-releasedindividuals. In theRelease of Iberian lynx © Guillermo Lopezfollowing years, releasesof 5 - 10 genetically-selected individuals per area will be performed annually inorder to achieve a rapid population increase. Moreover, re-introduction in a thirdoptimal area will begin in 2014.Major difficulties faced Measures to decrease fragmentation caused by infrastructures and its relatedrisks are very expensive. The use of illegal non-selective hunting methods is frequent and its totaleradication sometimes becomes a difficult issue. Prior to re-introduction, enough funding to perform the whole program must beensured.Major lessons learned Performing Iberian lynx re-introduction in a large area (>10,000 ha) of highrabbit density guarantees both settlement and reproduction of released lynxes. Soft-releases should not be performed inside the home range of a residentIberian lynx. Both soft- and hard-releases can be successfully used in the Iberian lynx reintroduction. Risk due to both poaching and car accidents might be carefully consideredand reduced before beginning an Iberian lynx re-introduction program. The support of the local population is essential to the success of an Iberianlynx re-introduction program.123