The main objective of this project is to assess the suitability of different areas within the natural habitat of the Iberian Lynx in Portugal for the reintroduction of the species and the establishment of viable breeding populations, taking into account their spatial and habitat requirements, as well as the human influences and natural disturbances acting in their habitat.

The project will be developed in two main research lines with multiple tasks:

1. Modelling vegetation, biotic interactions and game pressure in potential habitat for the Iberian Lynx: based on information collected by the project partners on occurrences and movements of wild lynx, models of dispersion and potential distribution of the species throughout the national territory will be developed. These models take into account, besides the intrinsic characteristics of the animal, the available habitat and its quality, particularly in terms of shelter, food and anthropogenic pressures. The result of this analysis will allow identify areas with adequate habitat to support viable breeding populations of Iberian lynx in the future.

2. Estimation of the multiple benefits of alternative management and conservation strategies of the areas for the Iberian Lynx reintroduction based on public preferences: the first task will be the development of a methodology to create alternative management strategies for the areas identified in the previous research line; then a socio-economic study of local human populations that likely will coexist with the species, will help to assess the multiple benefits of various management strategies. Such updated information on the preferences and perceptions of the public will be fundamental to optimize the preparation of the conditions for reintroduction of the Iberian Lynx in a short and medium term.

For further informations please access the project file (available only in Portuguese) [Download]

Co-funding by: