The Bohemian-Bavarian lynx population in view of genetic analysis

• Main Authors: Bufková Daniszová, K. (Kristina), Munclinger, P., Bufka, L.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Subjects: Eurasian lynx; genetics; Lynx; Lynx lynx lynx
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0229645

The Bohemian-Bavarian population of Eurasian lynx(Lynx lynx) was established by reintroducing approx. 25 animals from the Carpathians in the 1970s and 1980s. The population inhabits suitable forested landscape in South-western Bohemia and adjacent areas of Bavaria and Austria and appears to be isolated. Populations which remain small and isolated for many generations may suffer inbreeding depression and genetic drift, increasing their susceptibility to decline or even extinction. One of the main goals of the international Czech–Bavarian project was to accurately assess lynx population numbers and density and enrich these findings with data obtained from genetic analysis using microsatellite markers. These data enable the study of kinship and population structure as well as the evaluation of genetic variability. They are also essential for modelling population viability. Our results can help to improve the concepts which inform the monitoring, conservation and management of the Bohemian-Bavarian lynx population.