Lūšies (Lynx lynx) populiacijos būklė Lietuvoje ir gausinimo perspektyvos taikant veisimą nelaisvėje

• Main Author: Mažulytė, Vilma
• Other Authors: Ignatavičius, Gytautas
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: Lithuanian; English
• Published: Institutional Repository of Vilnius University 2018
• Subjects: Lynx; Lynx lynx lynx
• Online Access: http://vu.lvb.lt/VU:ELABAETD35758957&prefLang=en_US

Status of the Lynx Population in Lithuania and Perspectives of Increase by Breeding in Captivity Vilma Mažulytė The article reviews the breeding of lynx (Lynx lynx) in captivity to strengthen and increase the lynx population in Lithuania. Discused the status of lynx populations in the world and in Lithuania, reviewed the main threats to lynx and the factors limiting the growth of lynx population, reintroduction projects. According to the State Forest Service, livestock biotopes were analyzed and their areas evaluated in Lithuania. Optimal habitat for lynx consists of large forests supporting stable populations of small ungulates. A map was drawn up that identified a detailed plot of forest parcel, suitable for lynx according to the size of the site and the maturity of the forest. According to the size of the territory per lynx (> 2 000 ha), the total area of forest plantations potentially suitable for livestock in Lithuania is 766 570,18 ha, representing 34,23% of the total forest area of Lithuania. Based on the area of habitats suitable for lynx, the total area of the forests potentially suitable for living in the territory of Lithuania is 183 321,50 ha, which would amount to 8,18% of the Lithuanian forest land area. Below was calculated the possible optimal number of lynx in the territory of Lithuania according to the size of suitable forests – 300 individuals, and about 80 wild cats could live in Lithuania according to the suitable habitat area. According to the experience of breeding in captivity in Lithuania, it has been established that „Žvėrinčius“ has the largest potential to grow lynx in captivity and successfully adapt to life in nature – 59%, the zoo of Lithuania has released 23% within two years. Animal mortality is about 17,6%, with the largest number of deaths from parasite – about 12%. Over 80% of lynxes captured and released have successfully adapted and live in nature.