Restoring lynx populations can reduce the abundance of small and medium-sized predators

    [tp not_in=”in”]

    Researchers from IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), TRAGSATEC, Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), Junta de Extremadura, CBD-Habitat, Doñana-CSIC Biological Station and University of Oviedo have published an article in Biological Conservation on the incidence of the lynx on the mesopredators (fox and mongoose, mainly) and the trophic cascades generated on the main prey species; rabbit and partridge

    Super-predators play a crucial role in the functioning and structuring of ecosystems, controlling prey and maintaining biodiversity. However, the consideration that its impact is positive -particularly in humanized landscapes- is controversial. The absence of experimental approaches is behind this controversy, and affects the social acceptance of the recovery of these species.

    Using a quasi-experimental design and precise density estimates, this team, in a three-year MITECO-funded study, has shown how mesopredator abundances declined after top predator restoration, with evidence of cascading positive effects at lower trophic levels. After the reintroduction of the Iberian lynx in the Matachel Valley (Badajoz) there was a reduction in the abundance of foxes and mongooses of approximately 80%. In the study area, the establishment of a territorial male and female and their offspring led to the disappearance of 19 foxes, 11 mongooses, 3 martens and 1 feral cat in the second year after reintroduction. This change in the carnivore community was linked to the recovery of the rabbit and the red partridge in the areas occupied by the lynx. The reduction in rabbit consumption by the entire carnivore community was estimated at 55,6%.

    "These investigations show a positive impact of reintroductions not only on the conservation status of the lynx, but also on the restoration of its ecological functionality," explains José Jiménez, a researcher from the Higher Council for Scientific Research, from the Institute for Research on Resources. Cinegéticos and first signatory of the study. He also highlights how "he supports the social acceptance of reintroductions of the Iberian lynx, which is essential for its future."

    [/ tp]
    [tp not_in=”en”]

    The role that apex predators play in ecosystem functioning, disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance is increasingly debated. However, the positive impacts of their presence in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in human-dominated landscapes, remain controversial. Limited experimental insights regarding the consequences of apex predator recoveries may be behind such controversy and may also impact on the social acceptability towards the recovery of these species. Using a quasi-experimental design and state-of-the-art density estimates, we show that mesopredator abundances were reduced after the restoration of an apex predator, with evidence of resonating positive impacts on lower trophic levels. iberian lynx lynx pardinus reintroduction was followed by the reduction of the abundance of mesocarnivores (red foxes Vulpes vulpes and Egyptian mongooses Herpestes ichneumon by ca. 80%) and the recovery of small game of high socio-economic value (European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and red-legged partridges Alectoris rufa). The observed mesopredator reduction resulted in an estimated 55.6% less rabbit consumption for the entire carnivore guild. Our findings have important implications for the social acceptability of Iberian lynx reintroductions, which crucially depends on the perception of private land owners and managers.

    [/ tp]

    Ex-situ conservation program for the Iberian lynx/Author: Antonio Rivas.

    Jiménez, J., Nuñez-Arjona, JC, Mougeot, F., Ferreras, P., González, LM, García-Domínguez, F., Muñoz-Igualada, J., Palacios, MJ, Pla, S., Rueda, C., Villaespesa, F., Nájera, F., Palomares, F. and López-Bao, JV (2019). Restoring apex predators can reduce mesopredator abundances. Biological Conservation, 238(August), 108234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108234