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In temperate regions, larger mammalian carrion naturally occurs in terrestrial landscapes as a pulsed resource towards the end of the winter through enhanced ungulate mortality due to starvation or exhaustion. The return of large carnivores in Central Europe provides carrion more equally throughout the year and the active enhancement of carrion for biodiversity by game managers has increased, raising the question of how different scavengers respond to the temporal variation in carrion supply. To address this question, we experimentally deployed 106 cervid carcasses throughout the year in a temperate forest of south-eastern Germany on two types of plots: permanent (i.e., site with multiple subsequent deployments) or random (i.e., site with unique deployment), and reported vertebrate scavenger visitations by camera trapping. Deployment on random or permanent sites did not affect carrion use by any single species. Generalized additive modelling revealed that vertebrate scavenging peaked in the winter season and summer independent of carrion supply. Still, different scavenger species showed different temporal patterns. While wild boar as ungulate omnivores did not display any seasonal patterns, avian scavengers showed significant variation in visitation rates. The mesopredator red fox consumed carrion significantly more often from late winter to summer, while pine marten was present at carrion only during winter. Finally, the specialist large carnivore Eurasian lynx, visited carrion sites most frequently in late winter and early spring. Our results suggest that global warming might impact some groups of vertebrate scavengers more strongly than others by reducing carrion availability in late winter, while returning carnivores could mitigate these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study implemented AR, SARIMA, and SETAR models and their hybrid with ANN using the Canadian lynx data. Implementing a SETAR-ANN has been shown to be successful in generating up to 10-step forecasts. The forecasting capability of AR-ANN and SARIMA-ANN applied to the same data are also investigated. The study shows that implementing hybridization does not guarantee better forecasting performance and accuracy, except for the case of SETAR-ANN. Despite results showing that the efficiency of the hybrid models may be worse than its components models, this study exhibits the promising predictive capability of time series, ANN, and its hybrid models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is a multi-host bacterium of major public and animal health concern. This pathogen circulates among several wild species in the Iberian Peninsula, however, the role of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the epidemiology of this emerging pathogen is still unknown. The objective of this work was to assess the circulation of C. burnetii in Iberian lynx populations from the Iberian Peninsula and to study the molecular characterisation of this pathogen in lynxes and their feeding ticks. A total of 922 lynxes, including free-ranging and captive individuals, were sampled between 2010 and 2022 for the collection of sera (n = 543), spleen samples (n = 390) and ticks (n = 357 from 61 lynxes). The overall seroprevalence was 7.7 % (42/543; 95 %CI: 5.5–10.0 %), with age being significantly associated with the C. burnetii exposure in free-ranging lynxes. A longitudinal study was also carried out to assess the dynamics of the circulation of C. burnetii in this wild host, revealing that 7 of the 37 longitudinally surveyed individuals seroconverted during the study period. The PCR prevalence was 4.4 % (17/390, 95 %CI: 2.3–6.4 %) for spleen samples and 1.1 % (4/357; 95 % CI: 0.0–2.2) in ticks. This is the first study to evaluate the circulation of C. burnetii in the Iberian lynx and to confirm the infection in this felid. The results obtained show a moderate, wide, homogeneous, and endemic circulation of this bacterium in the Iberian lynx populations. [Display omitted] • First report of Coxiella burnetii infection in the Iberian lynx and their feeding ticks. • Moderate, wide, homogeneous, and endemic circulation of this bacterium in the Iberian lynx populations. • Significantly higher seroprevalence in adult free-ranging lynxes compared to yearlings. • The sequences obtained clustered with strains of C. burnetii from several hosts, including humans, from different continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here Taenia lynciscapreoli metacestode from the lung lobe of a semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). The specimen was detected within a development project concerning remote post mortem inspection at a reindeer abattoir in Sweden. Post mortem inspection was performed according to a routine on-site official meat inspection protocol. The species identification to T. lynciscapreoli was confirmed based on the DNA extracted from the metacestode, which was analysed by sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Firstly, our finding shows that semi-domesticated reindeer in addition to several other cervids can act as an additional intermediate host for T. lynciscapreoli. Secondly, it further confirms that this parasite is more widely distributed on the Scandinavian peninsula than what has previously been shown. This is in line with a previous molecular finding of adult T. lynciscapreoli from the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Sweden and demonstrates that new intermediate host can be detected. Whether the present finding can be regarded as accidental or have created opportunities for an expansion throughout the northernmost Scandinavian Peninsula remains to be seen. • Semi-domesticated reindeer can act as the intermediate host for T. lynciscapreoli. • T. lynciscapreoli is more widely distributed than previously shown. • The impact on reindeer welfare remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural disturbance model for ecosystem management of timber harvesting promotes the emulation of natural disturbance regimes in the patterns of tree removal. Wildfire is a prominent natural disturbance in boreal forests of western Canada, frequently removing most of the tree canopy from patches of 500–10,000 ha in stand-replacing events. However, fire suppression, coupled with a spatial pattern of timber harvesting dominated by small patch cuts of 10–160 ha, have changed the spatial scale of younger stands away from scales within which boreal organisms evolved. In two regions (Sub-Boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zone of central British Columbia and Liard Basin of southeast Yukon), we tested the hypothesis that different spatial scales of stand-replacing forest disturbance (wildfire and timber harvesting) result in different amplitudes of change in abundance of snowshoe hare, a keystone boreal forest mammal for which mid-seral stand conditions provide optimal habitat. Landscapes with large patches (>2000 ha) of mid-seral forest following stand-replacing disturbance supported consistently and often significantly more hares, with wider amplitude in cyclic fluctuation, than small patches (20–200 ha) of mid-seral habitat and than mature forest landscapes. Densities of hares high enough to support reproduction by Canada lynx (a specialist hare predator) only occurred in landscapes disturbed at the scale of a moderate to large-sized wildfire (1000 – 10,000 ha). Landscapes unaffected by stand-replacing disturbance for at least 80 years (i.e. mature forests) supported very few hares and without cyclic fluctuations. We recommend that the recent pattern of cutting dominated by small patches (20–200 ha) be shifted to include many larger patches (2000–5000 ha). This can happen with incremental, contiguous patch cutting over a period of years short enough that the completed patch will supply high quality, mid-seral habitat for at least the period of one hare cycle (10 y). In designing relatively large patches, mature green tree retention would be desirable for various values, but would be best as small stands of mature forest dispersed within large patch cuts, similar to the legacy of fire. Silviculture (reforestation and stand tending) should create and sustain a mix of conifer and deciduous regeneration in the mid-seral stands. Emulating spatial patterns of stand-replacing natural disturbance appears necessary to sustain snowshoe hare cycles when most fires are suppressed in intensively managed western Canadian boreal forests. [Display omitted] • Sizes of harvested, western boreal, forest patches are often small (10–200 ha). • Large patches (500–10,000 ha), typical of wildfire, are rare in managed landscapes. • Amplitude of snowshoe hare population fluctuations varies with patch size. • Only large patches support wide amplitudes typical of hare and lynx cycles. • Timber harvesting, in place of fire, should include larger patches (2000–5000 ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is one of the most endangered felids in the world, and a high proportion of its populations occur in hunting grounds managed for red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), both game species of high socio-economic value and the latter a key prey species for the lynx. In this case study from south-eastern Portugal, we evaluated the game management practices, the abundance of partridges and rabbits (expressed as Kilometric Abundance Index), and the occurrence of mesocarnivores in four hunting grounds, two with and two without breeding lynx. In all grounds game management was conducted but in those where lynx occurred, full-time gamekeepers were employed and hunting was the major source of income. The results showed that grounds with breeding lynx had higher KAI values for partridges and rabbits, together with reduced mesocarnivores occurrence (particularly red fox Vulpes vulpes and stone marten Martes foina), compared to those without breeding lynx. Our results confirm that lynx occurrence fits within the management traits of those hunting grounds in Iberia aiming to increase partridges and rabbits for sustainable hunting, as they act as 'natural' gamekeepers. This could be considered as a 'win-win' situation; successful for lynx's establishment and small game conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of animal phenotypic traits could allow objective description of individuals and their morphology, reducing bias caused by human subjectivity, skill and experience. The goal of our study was to research a quantitative approach to analyzing the four types of coat patterns recognized in endangered Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Croatia and to track frequencies of coat patterns over time. A total of 195 photographs of lynx individuals from Croatia, collected in the 1978–2019 period, were visually assigned to one of four types of coat patterns: no spots, small spots, big spots, and rosettes. Then, using metrics available within the public-domain software ImageJ, we quantified lynx spot traits and compared the characteristics of the four coat patterns to detect objective differences. All metrics that were analyzed differed significantly between "no spots" and other coat patterns (p < 0.05), whereas none of the metrics differed significantly between coats of small spots and coats of rosettes. Luckily, researchers visually distinguished easily coats of rosettes from coats of small spots. In contrast, when coats of big spots were numerically compared to those of small spots, they differed significantly in spot size on the whole body, while in some lynx individuals these two patterns proved to be most difficult for researchers to distinguish by eye. When looking at the occurrence of the four coat patterns inside the two temporal categories, they differed significantly between individuals photographed in 1978–1999 and those photographed in 2001–2019. The frequency of coats without spots fell from 14% to zero, the frequency of rosettes dropped from 23% to 9%, while the frequency of big spots increased from 46% to 80%. Significant inbreeding and low population size were genetically proven in Croatian lynx population, but to link inbreeding with the phenotypic change we observed, further research should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ambitious conservation programme to save the Iberian lynx from extinction conducted several reintroductions aiming to restore its historical range. The urgency due to the delicate conservation status prompted translocating captive-born and wild individuals, while preventing an early assessment of how both groups combined their space-use and differed in post-release movements. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive movement ecology analysis using GPS data of 161 Iberian lynxes from 9 populations. First, we classified five movement phases within individuals' trajectories: residence areas (stable and transient), excursions, post-release dispersals, and transitions between residences. Second, we used continuous-time movement models to estimate range size and daily speeds and measured the distance travelled during extra-territorial movements. Finally, we conducted comparative analyses to evaluate differences between captive-born, wild translocated, and wild non-translocated individuals across phases, sex, age-class and populations. Most individuals in all groups established home ranges, supporting the reintroduction main goal. Yet, contrary to the species' natural pattern, captive-born subadults did not show intersexual home range size differences, which emerged after experiencing free-ranging, when becoming adults. More differences emerged for non-residential behaviours. Captive-born lynxes were more prone to post-release dispersal, to slower post-release movements and to having smaller transient residences, indicating cautious behaviour. Our study supports using captive-born individuals for reintroductions, while prioritizing wild individuals for reinforcements in highly competitive populations. Further, we suggest relevant metrics for planning translocations and connectivity management, and we demonstrate how an integrated ex-situ and reintroduction initiative can substantially contribute to restoring an endangered species' distribution range. [Display omitted] • Individual space-use behaviours shape population distributions. • As aimed, translocated wild and captive-born lynxes mostly established home ranges. • Captive subadults showed wild-like resident behaviour after free-range experience. • Captive-born lynxes showed post-release movements indicative of cautious behaviour. • Ex-situ conservation and translocations are effective to restore species ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooarchaeological and palaeontological assemblages, especially those located in karst cavities, are usually the product of the activity of several taphonomic biological agents. This is also the case of the Upper Pleistocene site of Cova del Coll Verdaguer (Barcelona, Iberian Peninsula), where hyenas accumulated most of the ungulates, bears used the cave to hibernate and for birthing cubs, and humans occasionally visited the cave. The main aim of this study is to investigate the role played by medium-sized mammalian carnivores in the formation of Unit 3 (the Sala Sal de Llop chamber). For this purpose, we analysed Lynx pardinus and Vulpes vulpes remains, on the one hand, and leporid remains, on the other, applying different taphonomic (breakage and surface modifications) zooarchaeological (skeletal parts frequencies, age at death) and spatial methods (GIS, geostatistics, refits). Regarding medium-sized carnivores, the results indicate a predominance of adult individuals, a fairly complete anatomical representation (especially in the case of the lynx), the refitting of several elements (in the case of the lynx, many of them clustered in the same area), and the presence of tooth marks on some remains. This data points to the natural death of these animals inside the cave, and suggests they were subsequently scavenged by other carnivores. With respect to leporids, adult individuals predominate, the most abundant elements are innominate bones and those from the distal segment of the appendicular skeleton, and there is evidence of carnivore damage on several remains. In accordance with these results, the leporid assemblage is interpreted mainly as a non-ingested assemblage caused by the feeding activity of the Iberian lynx and, to a lesser extent, the red fox. Thus, the combination of all these analyses indicates that the medium-sized terrestrial carnivores did not play a merely passive role, but were also accumulators and modifying agents, at least in terms of the leporid remains. Although ungulates are not the focus of this study, we have also discussed the potential role of Iberian lynx and red fox in accumulating and modifying them. This work adds to previously published studies indicating that Cova del Coll Verdaguer is the product of mixed occupations of different carnivore taxa, suggesting that lynxes and foxes used the cave as a safe place to rest, transport their prey and consume it. Therefore, this study will shed more light on the relationships between human groups and different carnivore taxa at Cova del Coll Verdaguer and, by extension, in the European Upper Pleistocene, demonstrating that the study of fossil collections can contribute significantly towards extending our knowledge on past carnivore and human behaviour. • Zooarchaeological, taphonomic, and spatial analysis of lynxes, foxes, and leporids. • The leporids are related to the feeding behaviours of the Iberian lynx and red fox. • Iberian lynx and red fox used the cave as a shelter, and not as a birthing den. • Neanderthals, large and medium carnivores are actively involved in site formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of historical species range limits is rarely conducted. Yet, understanding where species were distributed in the past is fundamentally important for making informed policy decisions, including assessing species status and recovery in present day and in the context of future environmental change. Here, we provide a case study using a threatened species, Canada lynx, which is the subject of recent conservation policy debate and species recovery planning. We use species distribution models (SDM), combined with historic observations of lynx, to estimate historic southern range limits for the species at year 1900. We then forward project our SDM to estimate lynx vulnerability and likely spatial pattern of range retraction in the future. Our analysis reveals that substantial suitable lynx habitat existed in the past beyond their current range in the contiguous USA, and many extra-limital observations fell within this habitat suggesting relatively broad historic occupancy. This finding implies substantial lynx range contraction over the 20th century and is contrary to recent species status assessment. Moreover, some areas of the contiguous USA that may remain resilient to climate change for lynx in the future, fall outside current species range limits but potentially within historically occupied areas. Our results indicate that future recovery efforts for lynx should be informed by this new evidence regarding species range dynamics through time, including investigating suitability of sites outside current range limits. More broadly, our findings highlight the need for conservation planning and species recovery efforts to consider historical range limits whenever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging zoonotic virus of public and animal health concern, of which felids have been suggested as potential reservoirs. Although SARS-CoV-2 exposure has been detected in domestic and wild captive animals belonging to Felidae family, surveillance has not been carried out in free-ranging wild felids so far. The aim of the present study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the most endangered felid in the world. Between 2019 and 2022, we conducted a seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 in 276 free-ranging and captive Iberian lynxes. Our results evidenced limited (0.4%; 95%CI: 0.0–1.1) but not negligible exposure to this emerging virus in this endangered felid species, increasing the SARS-CoV-2 host range. The circulation of this virus in wildlife evidences the need of integrated European wildlife monitoring. • First surveillance study on free-ranging felines. • The Iberian lynx is naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2. • The range of animal species susceptible to this emerging virus has increased. • Limited risk of transmission from the Iberian lynx to other sympatric species and vice versa so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape connectivity is essential for the conservation of large carnivores, particularly in highly fragmented landscapes. Despite was nearing extinction, the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) recovers in Europe, owing to reintroduction projects that have re-established several subpopulations. However, some of these subpopulations are small and isolated, possibly incurring into reduced genetic diversity. To establish a functional metapopulation in Europe, facilitating lynx movements is crucial, and connectivity modeling could support the identification of optimal solutions to connect these subpopulations. Here, we assessed habitat connectivity for the Eurasian lynx in current and future scenarios, between the European subpopulations, applying two different modeling approaches, namely Circuit theory-based and least-cost path techniques. Moreover, we evaluated the potential of European Protected Areas (EPAs) to form an ecological network able to connect lynx subpopulations. Our results show that several connections occur between Jura, Alpine, Bohemian-Bavarian-Austrian (BBA), and Dinaric populations, while Balkan is less connected. Moreover, the Carpathian population has the potential to act as a source for the BBA subpopulation, if properly connected. We report that, currently, only 21 % of the crucial corridors are covered by EPAs, and those are often disturbed by human infrastructures. High connectivity among EPAs occurs in Central and Eastern Europe, and among the Carpathian, BBA and Alpine subpopulations. However, unprotected areas appear between the Carpathian, the BBA, the Baltic, and the Balkans subpopulation. To enhance those connections, we test the Agenda 2030 goals, and find those functional for management actions focusing on dispersal corridors, also proving that transboundary cooperation is pivotal. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, large carnivores have been heavily affected by habitat loss, fragmentation and persecution, sometimes resulting in local extinctions. With increasing recognition of top-down trophic cascades and complex predator-prey dynamics, reintroductions are of growing interest for restoration of ecosystem functioning. Many reintroductions have however failed, in part due to poor planning and inability to model complex eco-evolutionary processes to give reliable predictions. Using the case study of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), a large predator being considered for reintroduction to Scotland, we demonstrate how an individual-based model that integrates demography with three distinct phases of dispersal (emigration, transfer and settlement) can be used to explore the relative suitability of three geographically-distant potential reintroduction sites, multi-site reintroductions and two founding population sizes. For a single-site reintroduction of 10 lynx, our simulation results show a clear hierarchy of suitability across all metrics. Reintroduction in the Kintyre Peninsula (west coast) consistently performed best, with a probability of population persistence at year 100 of 83%, and the Scottish component of Kielder Forest (southern Scotland) worst, with only a 21% chance of population persistence to year 100. Simultaneous two-site reintroduction in the Kintyre Peninsula and in Aberdeenshire (near the east coast) of 32 lynx gave a 96% persistence at 100 years. Our model was highly sensitive to survival, particularly of adults, highlighting this parameter's importance for reintroduction success. The results strongly indicate the potential viability of Eurasian lynx reintroduction to Scotland given the current cover of suitable woodland habitat. More generally, our work demonstrates how emerging modelling approaches incorporating increased realism in representing species' demography, ecology and dispersal can have high value for quick, inexpensive assessment of likely reintroduction success and for selection between alternative strategies. • IBM's integrating stochastic movement and population dynamics provide greater realism in reintroduction modelling. • This modelling approach enables quick, effective assessments of reintroduction proposals and management scenarios. • Models of this nature could significantly improve the probability of reintroduction successes in large carnivores. • Scotland's existing habitat is suitable for Eurasian lynx reintroduction, but appropriate site selection is key to success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Canada lynx reproductive success was associated with mosaics of forest structure. • Mature, multistoried forest was most important for female reproductive success. • Snowshoe hares were most abundant in advanced regenerating forests. • Mature and advanced regenerating forests defined high quality habitat for lynx. • Creative silviculture can achieve both forest management and lynx conservation. Abstract Connecting forest management with the conservation of forest-associated animals requires an understanding of habitat quality, as well as identifying long-term silvicultural strategies that align with high quality habitat. It is, therefore, essential to characterize the spatio-temporal dimensions of habitat quality. Here, we leveraged multiple datasets to assess high quality habitat for female Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), a federally threatened forest carnivore in the contiguous U.S. Our datasets included a spatially extensive sample of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) collected in 2013 (n = 1340 plots), an expansive time-series (i.e., 1972–2013) of forest structural classes derived from remote sensing, and a longitudinal dataset where we monitored habitat use and the reproductive success (i.e., litter of kittens present or absent) of female Canada lynx during 1999–2013 (n = 32 female lynx over 92 lynx years). Our results indicated that the probability of a female producing kittens was most associated with the connectivity of mature, multistoried forests (composed of mostly spruce-fir). However, the variation among female lynx accounted for ≈62% of the total variation explained in litter production, suggesting substantial individual-level variation. Thus, managers can contribute to increased reproductive success of female Canada lynx by facilitating the development of mature forests, but measuring that success will be difficult given the individual variation. In core areas of high quality females (i.e., produced kittens frequently), mature forest was 17% more abundant (i.e., ≈60% of the total core area), more connected, less clumpy, and exhibited 2.25-times larger patch sizes than the core areas of low quality females. At the home-range extent, patterns were less pronounced while the abundance of mature forests remained high (≈50%) for high quality females. Additionally, we demonstrated that the relative density of snowshoe hares was ≥2.8 times higher in advanced regenerating forests compared to all other structural classes, including mature forest. Advanced regenerating forests accounted for ≈18–19% of the core area and home range of high quality female lynx. Combined, our results suggest that a high quality mosaic for female Canada lynx contains ≈50–60% mature forest and ≈18–19% advanced regenerating forest. Furthermore, we used Forest Inventory and Analysis data to characterize the approximate age distribution of advanced regeneration and mature forest, which was relevant for rotation schedules of forest silviculture. Results indicated that advanced regeneration was ≈20 to 80 years old while mature forest was ≈50 to ≥200 years old. Our results provide novel insight into how forest management could increase habitat quality for female Canada lynx, and suggest that multiple silvicultural methods (e.g., intermediate treatments, regeneration harvests) could be employed to maintain a forest mosaic that enhances the ability of females to produce kittens. We concluded by providing a framework that integrates our new insights into a management context with the aim of conserving Canada lynx on multiple-use lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Even though the Eurasian lynx is a less controversial species than the wolf or brown bear, poaching remains a major cause of lynx mortality in Europe, potentially threatening population expansion in key areas. Our study was designed to explore the attitude of hunters and other stakeholders (students of secondary forestry schools and University forestry faculties) towards lynx and their experience with illegal killing of lynx in the Czech Republic. Self-administered questionnaires were addressed to local hunters and to students in 2001 and again in 2015. The survey in 2001 was conducted in two separate hunting regions of Bohemia, one where lynx have been artificially reintroduced and another in which lynx have become established through natural colonisation. In 2015 the survey was extended to two further areas where lynx have re-established themselves through natural colonisation, in the east of the Czech Republic. Altogether 415 and 922 questionnaires were completed in 2001 and 2015, respectively. The attitude of hunters towards lynx was not affected by hunting region, lynx population density or nature of the population (human re-introductions vs natural recolonisation), but attitudes became more negative in 2015 than they had been in 2001. The majority of hunters still believed that lynx had negative effects on other wildlife and 27% stated that they do not wish to co-exist with lynx. Half of secondary school students and a third of tertiary students still believe that lynx threaten roe deer stocks, even though roe and red deer are present at high density and cause extensive damage in commercial forestry. Hunters as well as forestry students had first-hand knowledge about illegal hunting of lynx. The proportion of hunters admitting to having poached lynx themselves was 10% with the proportion of repeated illegal kills made by the same person increasing between 2001 and 2015. Population modelling suggested that at least 25% of the population might be poached annually, sufficient to restrict population growth and further expansion of lynx distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High public acceptance of Eurasian lynx in Germany. • Respondents were in favour of ongoing protection of Eurasian lynx. • Acceptance did not differ between areas with and without Eurasian lynx presence. • Acceptance leads to a landscape where large carnivores and humans can co-exist. • Longitudinal studies may prove beneficial in assessing acceptance of Eurasian lynx. In a geological epoch, referred to as the Anthropocene, where large carnivores are increasing and expanding across Europe simultaneously to human activity impacting wildlife population numbers, an understanding of how to manage conservation success is required. Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) populations have expanded back into some of their former ranges within Germany through natural re-establishment and reintroductions. Several proven illegal killings of Eurasian lynx (hereafter lynx) in Germany question the acceptance of lynx within one of its former ranges. An online self-administered questionnaire (n = 1195) was distributed across Germany collecting data on demographic factors, knowledge of lynx ecology, feelings on the presence of lynx, and future management of lynx populations. The questionnaire data was analysed through non-parametric tests. The results suggested that acceptance of lynx was similarly high across German states. No significant differences were found in acceptance scores between lynx absence or presence , nor within areas of different lynx re-establishment processes. Age, education, profession, and awareness or experience of lynx attacks were significantly associated with acceptance scores. Longitudinal monitoring would prove beneficial in assessing acceptance levels of this large carnivore amongst the public in Germany. Acceptance of lynx assists in creating a balanced ecosystem where large carnivores and humans can co-exist and share the same landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest managers are often tasked with balancing opposing objectives, such as altering forest structure and conserving forest-dwelling animals. Consequently, to develop holistic strategies managers require information on how forest manipulations influence species of conservation concern, particularly those that are federally threatened or endangered. Here, we characterized how differing silvicultural treatments ( n  = 1,293 – forest thinnings; removal of small trees, selection cuts; trees harvested in small patches, and regeneration cuts; clearcuts of nearly all trees) influenced the resource use of a threatened forest carnivore, Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis ), over a temporal gradient of 1–67 years after treatment. To do this, we used an extensive GPS dataset on 66 Canada lynx (i.e., 164,593 locations) collected during 2004–2015 within the Northern Rocky Mountains, U.S. We used univariate analyses and hurdle regression models to evaluate the spatio-temporal factors influencing lynx use of treatments. Our analyses indicated that Canada lynx used treatments, but there was a consistent cost in that lynx use was low up to ∼10 years after all silvicultural actions. However, cumulative use (in both winter and summer) by lynx reached 50% at ∼20 years after a thinning treatment, whereas it took ∼34–40 years after a selection or regeneration cut. This indicated that Canada lynx used thinnings at a faster rate post-treatment than selection or regeneration cuts, and that lynx used selection and regeneration cuts in a similar fashion over time. Further, we discovered that lynx occupancy and intensity of treatment use was influenced by the composition of forest structure in the surrounding neighborhood. In some instances, the existing forest structure surrounding the treatment and the time since treatment interactively influenced lynx use; a pattern characterizing a spatio-temporal functional response in habitat use. This demonstrated that both the recovery time as well as the spatial context of a particular area are important considerations when implementing different silvicultural treatments for Canada lynx at the landscape scale. For example, if a selection cut was implemented with abundant mature, multi-storied forest (i.e., a preferred habitat by lynx) in the surrounding landscape, lynx would use these treatments less over time than if the neighborhood contained less mature forest. Forest managers can apply our spatio-temporal understandings of how lynx respond to forest silviculture to refine expectations and develop strategies aimed at both forest management and the conservation of Canada lynx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with analysis and modelling of the radionuclides 210 Pb and 210 Po in the food-chain lichen-reindeer-man in addition to 210 Po and 137 Cs in top predators. By using the methods of Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) the atmospheric deposition of 210 Pb and 210 Po is predicted at the sample locations. Dynamic modelling of the activity concentration with differential equations is fitted to the sample data. Reindeer lichen consumption, gastrointestinal absorption, organ distribution and elimination is derived from information in the literature. Dynamic modelling of transfer of 210 Pb and 210 Po to reindeer meat, liver and bone from lichen consumption, fitted well with data from Sweden and Finland from 1966 to 1971. The activity concentration of 210 Pb in the skeleton in man is modelled by using the results of studying the kinetics of lead in skeleton and blood in lead-workers after end of occupational exposure. The result of modelling 210 Pb and 210 Po activity in skeleton matched well with concentrations of 210 Pb and 210 Po in teeth from reindeer-breeders and autopsy bone samples in Finland. The results of 210 Po and 137 Cs in different tissues of wolf, wolverine and lynx previously published, are analysed with multivariate data processing methods such as Principal Component Analysis PCA, and modelled with the method of Projection to Latent Structures , PLS, or Partial Least Square Regression PLSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine consumption through smoking affects anxious states in humans. However, the precise role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) circuitry in the regulation of anxiety remains elusive. The Lynx protein Lypd6 is highly enriched in synaptic loci and has been previously identified as an endogenous inhibitor of neuronal nAChR function in vitro . Here, we investigate the effect of Lypd6 in anxiety-related behaviour and examine the molecular underpinnings of its function in the brain. We employ the marble burying (MB) and elevated zero maze (EZM) tests in Lypd6 knock-out (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice and find that loss of Lypd6 leads to decreased digging behaviour in the MB test and increased time spent in the open area in the EZM test. Moreover, we demonstrate that acute nicotine administration reduces digging in the MB test in both KO and WT mice and further accentuates the inherent genotype difference. Using in vitro electrophysiology in dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) neurons from Lypd6 KO mice, we show that nicotine-evoked whole-cell currents are enhanced in the absence of Lypd6. Collectively, these data are the first to indicate the involvement of Lypd6 in circuits associated with anxiety and suggest that a possible underlying neurobiological mechanism is the modulation of cholinergic responses in the DRN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock depredation by large carnivores entails economic damage to farmers in many parts of the world. The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare the costs of livestock depredation by carnivores in Sweden across different carnivore species and counties. To this end, we estimate the government's compensation cost function using Swedish data on the county level over the period of 2001 to 2013. Compensation costs due to depredation by three large carnivores are considered: the brown bear ( Ursus arctos ), the wolf ( Canis lupus ) and the lynx ( Lynx lynx ). The results show that a 1% increase in the density of the carnivores leads to a 0.3–0.4% increase in compensation costs, whereas a 1% increase in the density of sheep results in a 0.8 and 1.1% increase in the compensation costs for brown bears and wolves, respectively. A larger share of unfenced pastures is associated with higher compensation costs for brown bear. The marginal cost of an additional carnivore individual varies considerably between counties, ranging between 1 and 82 EUR for lynxes, 0 and 266 EUR for brown bears, and 52 and 1067 EUR for wolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (species Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 , family Parvoviridae ) cause a severe gastrointestinal disease associated with immune depression in a broad range of terrestrial carnivores. We report here the first molecular epidemiological investigation of protoparvoviruses on the Island of Newfoundland, Canada. In particular, we investigated red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes deletrix ) and lynx ( Lynx canadensis subsolanus ), two autochthonous species, and coyotes ( Canis latrans ), which immigrated onto the island during the 1980s. CPV-2 was identified in coyotes (3/85, 3.5%), while no viruses were found in lynx (0/38) or foxes (0/22). Based on complete genome analyses, two of the identified viruses (which were 99.98% identical to each other) were variant CPV-2b, while the third strain was a CPV-2a variant. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the CPV-2b viruses were part of a group that also included viruses identified in wildlife in the USA (including coyotes) while the CPV-2a virus clustered with viruses identified in dogs. We conclude that the CPV-2b viruses could have been introduced into Newfoundland during the immigration of coyotes, while the CPV-2a virus was possibly introduced into the coyote population from an infected dog. Although a more extended screening effort is required, our preliminary data suggest that FPV is not circulating in Newfoundland and that CPV-2 viruses have not spread from coyotes to the other investigated autochthonous wild carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across western Canada, furbearers are being subjected to the cumulative impacts of industrial development. This region has witnessed unprecedented levels of anthropogenic change, primarily in the form of increased forest harvesting. We used trapping records to investigate the relationship between habitat and the abundance of Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis ) and American marten ( Martes americana ). We applied expert-based habitat models to ten reference landscapes (i.e., traplines) in two distinct study areas to serve as measures of habitat change from 1990 to 2013. We elicited fur harvest records from trapper experts and then used negative binomial count models to relate capture success to habitat availability and quality. We controlled for factors that were hypothesized to influence capture success, including effort and weather conditions, allowing us to model the effects of habitat availability and quality on population abundance. Expert-based habitat models revealed that the area and quality of habitat declined significantly as a result of increased forest harvesting. The top-ranked count models identified combinations of habitat availability and quality, trapping effort, and trapline area as factors positively influencing the capture success of lynx and marten. Results suggested that the reduction in high-quality habitat negatively affected the abundance of marten in the study area. Methods and findings also illustrated the utility of harvest records for investigating population abundance of furbearer species. A precise measure of trapping effort, however, is necessary to relate environmental covariates, including habitat, to harvest at the scale of individual traplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failures in expressing insect nAChRs (nicotinic acetylcholine receptors) limit the understanding of their functional properties, although insect nAChRs have been developed as insecticide targets for decades. Some accessory proteins can modulate nAChRs, but only a few have been identified in insects, including lynx from Ly-6/neurotoxin superfamily. Until now, only one to three lynx were identified in one insect species. Here, 11 lynx were identified in Locusta migratoria with common features of Ly-6/neurotoxin members. The effects of these lynx on seven hybrid nAChRs functionally constructed in Xenopus oocytes were tested, in which each nAChR subtype contained one L. migratoria α subunit plus rat β2 subunit. One lynx could selectively modulate several nAChR subtypes to significantly increase the amplitude of epibatidine-evoked currents, while Loc-lynx10 acted on all test nAChRs. Among nine lynx with obvious modulation effects to increase inward currents, only four significantly increased the specific [ 3 H]epibatidine binding, and the binding increase existed in all modulated nAChRs by these lynx. The results indicated that the modulation mode was decided by the specific lynx and had nothing to do with nAChR subtypes. This study provides an approximate panorama for the functional interaction net between L. migratoria lynx and nAChRs, although some other nAChRs need further tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iberian Lynx reintroduction started in southern Portugal in 2015. As part of this project we have been following local key actors’ positions towards the process, including their perceptions about this threatened species and other predators. Using an ethnographic approach and conducting interviews we explored local discourses about nature, environmentalism, predators and reasons for positions towards reintroduction of a wild species. We categorized the content of 94 interviews in terms of value orientations towards wildlife. We found that as well as dominion and utilitarian dispositions, other ways of relating to the wild could be found including ‘affection’, ‘attraction’, ‘environmental concerns’ and ‘symbolism’. In fact categories are not exclusive and there is a diversity of values towards wildlife in rural key actors. Environmental discourse is integrated in a local culture where being dominant over wildlife and nature is the main way of relating to it in particularly with respect to those related to hunting activities. However that was not a hindrance to being positive about reintroduction. Furthermore local memory about the historical presence of the lynx was significantly associated with the category ‘environmental concerns’. Single-fixed categories are reductionist and limited for describing relationships with nature. Content analysis of spontaneous discourse and having knowledge about human practices proves to be important for an ethnoecological characterization of the coexistence of humans and lynx. Appropriations of the lynx as a local theme by social groups are described and a reflection about wildlife ownership, human-predator competition and wildness meanings as well as ontologies is presented. Local perspectives have implications for conservation projects and must be incorporated into management decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused widespread mortality in both wild and domestic birds in Europe during 2020–2022. Virus types H5N8 and H5N1 have dominated the epidemic. Isolated spill-over infections in mammals started to emerge as the epidemic continued. In autumn 2021, HPAI H5N1 caused a series of mass mortality events in farmed and released pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in a restricted area in southern Finland. Later, in the same area, an otter (Lutra lutra), two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and a lynx (Lynx lynx) were found moribund or dead and infected with H5N1 HPAI virus. Phylogenetically, H5N1 strains from pheasants and mammals clustered together. Molecular analyses of the four mammalian virus strains revealed mutations in the PB2 gene segment (PB2-E627K and PB2-D701N) that are known to facilitate viral replication in mammals. This study revealed that avian influenza cases in mammals were spatially and temporally connected with avian mass mortalities suggesting increased infection pressure from birds to mammals. • HPAI H5N1 caused mass mortality in wild pheasants and spread to terrestrial mammals • First characterization of lethal HPAI H5N1 infection in a wild lynx • Mutations in the mammalian HPAI H5N1 viruses related to virulence in mammals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Linxia Basin has produced some of the most complete and fossiliferous fossil assemblages among the known late Cenozoic basins including diverse carnivoran elements. In this work, we summarize the chronological framework for its fossil Carnivora based on current knowledge. A total of 80 species of Carnivora, belonging to 55 genera and 10 families, are currently recorded in 10 assemblages. Three faunas with Carnivora of Middle Miocene age, include amphicyonids, hemicyonids, and percrocutids. Five assemblages dating to the late Miocene and the earliest Pliocene hipparion faunas, are represented by very abundant ictitherine hyaenids, the giant hyaena Dinocrocuta , the large machairodont Amphimachairodus and diverse metailurine felids, and various mustelids. The Late Pliocene records scant material, but the Early Pleistocene Equus fauna is well represented by canids, hyaenids, a lynx, and Megantereon. A major Carnivoran guild turnover occurs at the boundary of the Middle and Late Miocene. The Linxia Basin experienced earlier aridification in the Late Miocene than did Europe, likely correlated with the rise of Tibet. The medial body size of Carnivora remains largely unchanged from the Middle Miocene to the Early Pleistocene. Crown-group members (at the family level) increased dramatically in proportion during the Late Miocene, and remained largely unchanged since the latest Miocene, suggesting that the Late Miocene is the major period of emplacement of current Carnivora phylogenetic structure. • Chronological framework of fossil Carnivora from the Linxia Basin is given. • Body size, and palaeoecology of fossil Carnivora are assigned to explore the environmental change. • Crown group proportion increases rapidly raise at the Late Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fuel reduction treatments reduce wildfire severity but negatively impact Canada lynx habitat for at least 10 years post-treatment. • Canada lynx use peaked ∼ 25 years after wildfire and management when hare abundance was also highest. • Areas with pre-fire management burned less severely and were used more quicky by lynx after a wildfire. • Areas with no management burned at greater severity and had slower vegetation recovery. • A mosaic of active (pre- and post-fire treatments) and passive (hands-off) management will best conserve a desirable range of lynx habitat in an increasingly fire-impacted landscape. Wildfires are increasing in scale and impact on the landscape, altering large amounts of wildlife habitat and forest ecosystems. The reduction of fuels through forest management is considered a primary way to reduce the extent and severity of wildfires before they occur but may lead to a decrease in tree density prohibitive of some species' habitat. Alternatively, management actions undertaken after a fire may speed the trajectory of burned areas back into quality habitat but may also impede this development if the wrong type of treatment is undertaken. Thus, information on how different management actions, applied either pre- or post-fire, can influence the timing of a burned area's return to suitable habitat will help managers conserve species on the landscape. Our study aims to understand how a rare carnivore, Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), uses stands managed with different silviculture actions at different times relative to wildfire. We used GPS locations from 39 individual lynx collected from 2004 to 2015 to examine the response of lynx to wildfire compounded by active forest management, where time since fire at time of use ranged from 1 to 27 years. To understand the drivers behind lynx use of wildfires, we also focused on the primary prey of Canada lynx, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), using pellet counts across a similar range of post-fire treatment types in fires between 22 and 28 years old. We also assessed vegetation recovery and forest structure over time since wildfire using remotely sensed data and field measurements. We found that lynx intensity of use differed based on timing and type of management action, with the greatest lynx use ∼25 years after a wildfire managed with post-fire regeneration cuts (removal of the majority of the canopy). Lynx use was likely driven by hare abundance, which was also highest in post-fire regeneration cuts, characterized at time of use by dense lodgepole pine stands. We conclude that managing landscapes with a mosaic of active (pre- and post-fire treatments) and passive (hands-off) management will best conserve a desirable range of lynx habitat in an increasingly fire-impacted landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivores are particularly sensitive to reductions in population connectivity caused by human disturbance and habitat fragmentation. Permeability of transportation corridors to carnivore movements is central to species conservation given the large spatial extent of transportation networks and the high mobility of many carnivore species. We investigated the degree to which two-lane highways were permeable to movements of resident Canada lynx in the Southern Rocky Mountains based on highway crossings (n = 593) documented with GPS telemetry. All lynx crossed highways when present in home ranges at an average rate of 0.6 crossings per day. Lynx mostly crossed highways during the night and early dawn when traffic volumes were low. Five of 13 lynx crossed highways less frequently than expected when compared to random expectation, but even these individuals crossed highways frequently in parts of their home range. We developed fine- and landscape-scale resource selection function (RSF) models with field and remotely sensed data, respectively. At the fine scale, lynx selected crossings with low distances to vegetative cover and higher tree basal area; we found no support that topography or road infrastructure affected lynx crossing. At the landscape scale, lynx crossed highways in areas with high forest canopy cover in drainages on primarily north-facing aspects. The predicted crossing probabilities generated from the landscape-scale RSF model across western Colorado, USA, were successful in identifying known lynx crossing sites as documented with independent snow-tracking and road-mortality data. We discuss effective mitigation based on model results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the species studied, the corpus luteum (CL) of Iberian and Eurasian lynx physiologically persists in the ovary for more than 2 years and continues to secrete progesterone. Such persistent CL (perCL) transition into the next cycle and are present in the ovary together with the freshly formed CL (frCL) of a new ovulation. To date, the mechanisms supporting such CL persistence are not known. We analyzed the potential receptivity of feline CL to sex steroids through mRNA measurements of progesterone receptor (PGR), progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMC) 1 and 2, estrogen receptor (ESR) 1 and ESR2, G protein–coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), and androgen receptor (AR). All receptors were present in domestic cat CL during pregnancy and the nonpregnant luteal phase, in frCL and perCL of post-mating Iberian lynx and in perCL of pre-mating Eurasian lynx. Mass spectrometry detected the presence of PGRMC1 protein in frCL and perCL of the Iberian lynx. In both domestic cat and lynx CL, PGR, PGRMC1, and ESR1 proteins were localized in luteal cells by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of PGR , PGRMC1 , PGRMC2 , ESR1, and AR changed significantly throughout the domestic cat luteal phase. This may indicate involvement of these receptors in the processes of formation, maintenance, and regression of feline CL. In Iberian lynx, expression of PGRMC1 , PGRCM2 , ESR1 , GPER1, and AR was significantly higher in perCL compared with frCL, whereas ESR2 was reversed. High mRNA amounts of these receptors in perCL suggest that physiological persistence of lynx CL may be partly regulated by actions of sex steroids through their nuclear and/or membrane receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In human imagination, dreams and expectations, the sequence of “space tourism” has most likely been Moon tourism, Earth orbital tourism and then suborbital tourism. But the sequence in actual development is the reverse: first Earth suborbital tourism, then orbital tourism, and finally Moon tourism. In 1954, three years before the successful launch of the first human artificial satellite, the world's oldest travel company, Thomas Cook in Britain, initiated the “Moon Register.” Enthusiasts could sign an option for a commercial trip to the Moon and the company guaranteed to provide tickets at the earliest possible date. Sixty years later on 31st October 2014, the first SpaceShip Two (SS2) of Virgin Galactic developed for commercial suborbital space tourism (SST) and scientific research crashed at the Mojave Desert in California during test flight. Although the first privately paid space tourist had traveled to the International Space Station in 2001, this was only for millionaires and not the general public. In 2004, although SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X prize and shed the first light on SST, the commercial SST operations originally planned to be realized in 2008 are now long overdue. The SS2 has been just one of the reusable suborbital launch vehicles developed for SST and other purposes, with others including the Lynx, Spaceplane and Dream Chaser. However a tragedy in which the SS2 crashed and caused the sacrifice of one senior test pilot alerted tourists that the long overdue of SST might still be a few years away. The purposes of this paper are to review and discuss the ups and downs of space tourism development in the 60 years from 1954 to 2014, and to look forward to get more clear future from the unveiling of second SS2 on 19th February 2016 and the continuous development of Lynx Mark I. However in any case, there are still many constraints including economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lynx1 regulates synaptic plasticity in the brain by regulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It is not known to which extent Lynx1 can bind to endogenous nAChR subunits in the brain or how this interaction is affected by Alzheimer's disease pathology. We apply affinity purification to demonstrate that a water-soluble variant of human Lynx1 (Ws-Lynx1) isolates α3, α4, α5, α6, α7, β2, and β4 nAChR subunits from human and rat cortical extracts, and rat midbrain and olfactory bulb extracts, suggesting that Lynx1 forms complexes with multiple nAChR subtypes in the human and rodent brain. Incubation with Ws-Lynx1 decreases nicotine-mediated extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation in PC12 cells and striatal neurons, indicating that binding of Ws-Lynx1 is sufficient to inhibit signaling downstream of nAChRs. The effect of nicotine in PC12 cells is independent of α7 or α4β2 nAChRs, suggesting that Lynx1 can affect the function of native non-α7, non-α4β2 nAChR subtypes. We further show that Lynx1 and oligomeric β-amyloid 1–42 compete for binding to several nAChR subunits, that Ws-Lynx1 prevents β-amyloid 1–42 –induced cytotoxicity in cortical neurons, and that cortical Lynx1 levels are decreased in a transgenic mouse model with concomitant β-amyloid and tau pathology. Our data suggest that Lynx1 binds to multiple nAChR subtypes in the brain and that this interaction might have functional and pathophysiological implications in relation to Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrion is a valuable food source for predators, but its role for specialist predators has received little attention. We recorded the unnoticed scavenging behavior of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) on wild ungulate carcasses in a reintroduced lynx population of central Spain. Seven of the 13 carcasses experimentally placed (54 %) were visited and scavenged by Iberian lynxes. Five carcasses (38 %) were scavenged by more than one lynx (one to seven individuals) and sometimes by several individuals at the same time (two adults and one young). Large proportion of the lynxes in the study area (12 of 17; 71 %) ate carrion. Our observations are surprising and suggest that this behavior is probably more common in this species than previously assumed. In addition, this behavior has implications for the conservation of this threatened species, since it confirms the potential risks associated with the consumption of carrion from animals killed by disease, or by human activities such as livestock rearing or hunting. The potential conservation problems that may arise from carrion consumption by lynxes, such as exposure to disease-causing pathogens, toxins, poisoning due to the lead ammunition or even intentional poisoning, should be evaluated in-depth. Likewise, the use of ungulate carrion could be an important resource for lynxes in areas with low rabbit abundance, and probably as a management tool in conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent review paper, Palomares et al. (2022) questioned whether the current behaviour of some carnivorous mammals supports zooarchaeological interpretations of the origin and authorship of certain fossil accumulations in Quaternary sites, concluding that it is questionable. The authors develop classical approach based on actualism to interpret the fossil record but commit some inaccuracies in analogical reasoning, overlook the complexity of taphonomic pathways and the fact that the process of fossil accumulation and assemblage formation is time-dependent. This comment concerns only Lynx pardinus as a taphonomic agent. Based on observations of the fossil record, experimental works in captivity, actualistic work in the wild, and information derived from the current behaviour of the species, I argue that the Iberian lynx should be seriously considered as a relevant taphonomic agent, especially in karstic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurasian lynx are often regarded as being particularly sensitive to human land-use. However, in the European context where human influence is pervasive, the conservation of lynx requires that they be integrated into the human-dominated landscape. Although previous studies have looked at how lynx respond to human land-use in a broad sense, they have failed to examine the details of how different types of human induced impacts (forest fragmentation, human density, different types of transport infrastructure) influence distinct lynx behaviors. Furthermore, they have not examined the extent to which lynx modify their fine scaled avoidance behavior of anthropogenic landscape features according to the specific behaviors (resting sites, kill sites, movement) in which they are engaged and how these relationships are modified by prey density or the sex of the lynx. We used Resource Selection Functions to examine how 19 GPS-marked lynx in southeastern Norway responded to an index of cumulative human habitat modification while engaged in different activities. We found that lynx select for areas with medium levels of human modification, avoiding both the very highly modified and the areas with low degrees of modification. Females in general appear to be less tolerant of human modification than males, especially when it comes to resting sites. Terrain (ruggedness and elevation) appears to be important in permitting lynx to exploit heavily modified areas. Our study demonstrates that lynx show a nuanced response to human habitat modification, which offers hope for their conservation in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European lynx species demonstrate an atypical ovarian cycle compared to other felids. The physiological persistence of corpora lutea (CLs), reflected in constantly elevated progesterone (P4) concentrations in serum, is thought to ensure a seasonal monooestrus. Moreover, the coexistence of CLs from a recent ovulation (freshCLs) and persistent CLs from previous years (perCLs) on the same ovary has been proven. We assume that perCLs in lynxes occur due to fundamentally different mechanisms of luteal regression. Our study presents a detailed analysis of steroidogenic enzymes and steroids in fresh and perCLs obtained from Iberian lynxes during metoestrus, and in perCLs obtained from Eurasian lynxes during prooestrus. By quantitative PCR we measured relative mRNA amounts of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( STAR ), cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYPs), hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases ( HSDs ) and a steroid reductase (SRD). Protein expression in CLs was investigated for CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1 and HSD3B. Additionally, the intraluteal and serum steroid content was determined. During metoestrus, mRNA amounts of STAR , CYP11A1 , CYP19A1 , HSD17B7 and SRD5A1 were significantly higher in perCLs compared to freshCLs. Protein of CYP11A1 was detected independently of the CL age in metoestrus, but expression was less evident in prooestrous perCLs. The protein signal of CYP17A1 was strong in freshCLs and perCLs of metoestrus, but weak at prooestrus. The presence of CYP19A1 protein was confirmed in each stage of the CL. These findings contribute to the hypothesis that CLs from previous years might support freshly developed CLs for pregnancy maintenance. However, initiation of ovulation might require a functional down-regulation of perCLs prior to breeding. It is noteworthy that the HSD3B1 mRNA amount was significantly elevated in fresh compared to perCLs (metoestrus). Accordingly, HSD3B protein was substantially present in freshCLs, whereas signals were literally absent in all perCLs. Elevated expression of HSD3B coincided with high intraluteal oestrogen concentrations in freshCLs; however, the enzyme pattern was less concordant with intraluteal P4 and androgen concentrations. Serum P4 concentrations of Iberian lynxes were constant between prooestrus and prolonged dioestrus. Moreover, constantly high serum oestrogen concentrations were measured during pro-, met- and prolonged dioestrus. The physiology of exceptionally high serum oestrogen concentrations outside the breeding season of lynxes merits further investigation. In conclusion our study supports the concept that the unique reproductive strategy of lynxes is directly linked to sustained intraluteal steroid biogenesis in persistent CLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving impaired cholinergic neurotransmission and dysregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Ly-6/neurotoxin (Lynx) proteins have been shown to modulate cognition and neural plasticity by binding to nAChR subtypes and modulating their function. Hence, changes in nAChR regulatory proteins such as Lynx proteins could underlie the dysregulation of nAChRs in AD. Using Western blotting, we detected bands corresponding to the Lynx proteins prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) and Lypd6 in human cortex indicating that both proteins are present in the human brain. We further showed that PSCA forms stable complexes with the α4 nAChR subunit and decreases nicotine-induced extracellular-signal regulated kinase phosphorylation in PC12 cells. In addition, we analyzed protein levels of PSCA and Lypd6 in postmortem tissue of medial frontal gyrus from AD patients and found significantly increased PSCA levels (approximately 70%). In contrast, no changes in Lypd6 levels were detected. In concordance with our findings in AD patients, PSCA levels were increased in the frontal cortex of triple transgenic mice with an AD-like pathology harboring human transgenes that cause both age-dependent β-amyloidosis and tauopathy, whereas Tg2576 mice, which display β-amyloidosis only, had unchanged PSCA levels compared to wild-type animals. These findings identify PSCA as a nAChR-binding protein in the human brain that is affected in AD, suggesting that PSCA-nAChR interactions may be involved in the cognitive dysfunction observed in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to provide a basis for assessing the future prospects and challenges of space tourism, this paper begins with a brief overview of the history of space tourism. This is followed by a discussion on market demand and current developments in the academic community, as well as the status of traffic tools, regulations and legalization. In market demand, although studies conducted in 1990s assumed the possibility of 500,000 per year in space tourists and several billion USD of annual revenue, in 2008 a relatively modest 13,000 per year was predicted. At this time traffic transport tools including the Soyuz system, CST-100, DragonRider and International Space Station (ISS) can only provide a few tens in spare seats for space tourists per year compared to the projected 20,000 plus seat capacity of the Lynx, Dream Chaser and SpaceShipTwo (SS2) fleets, which have the potential to conduct their first full suborbital test flight and first commercial flight within the coming decade. Added to this, the US government has only a regulatory regime that supports privately owned suborbital space tourism (SST) and no government funded orbital space tourism (OST). These evidences reveal a very high and advantageous potential for SST to form a space tourism industry in the coming decade, whereas the possibility of OST is relatively low. However, even though the prosperity of SST in the coming years is expectable, its maturity, reliability and safety still need to win the confidence of the general public. For examples, the announcement of changes to fuel used in the SS2 rocket engine in May 2014 and the crash of one SS2 while performing test flight on 31 October 2014 indicated the need for much careful preparation, as any accident in commercial operation could seriously damage or even kill its future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iberian lynx is an endemic predator of the Iberian Peninsula currently restricted to southern Spain. It is one of the primary predators of rabbits in Iberian ecosystems and probably an important taphonomic agent. Few experimental taphonomic research has focused specifically on this aspect because the Iberian lynx is currently the world's most endangered feline. During the late Pleistocene and early Holocene its home range spread to the whole Iberian Peninsula and Southern France. From an anthropological point of view, Southwestern Europe is one of the major areas of interest for studies of leporid fossil accumulations because some archaeological sites show a clear anthropogenic exploitation of rabbits and hares by Neanderthals and Anatomically Modern Humans. This research is framed within the study of variability in the taphonomic signal of the Iberian lynx. In this paper a set of rabbit bones eaten by a female lynx and her cubs during the denning season which takes around two months has been studied. The experimental assemblage has been characterized using the anatomical representation of the remains, breakage patterns and damage modifications preserved on bone surfaces. The taphonomic data are discussed along with data from the literature of the ethology of the Iberian lynx. The characteristics of the taphonomic modifications are very similar in non-ingested remains altered by adults documented in previous works, and non-ingested remains modified by the litter, in terms of anatomical profile, breakage and tooth mark frequency. The main difference is the presence of specific small tooth marks caused by infant individuals. It is concluded that the Iberian lynx may be a significant source of rabbit bone accumulations in caves and shelters, but exclusively during its breeding season. The presence of bones of mixed origin in the final set (non-ingested and ingested) is inferred as a taphonomic signal feature of Iberian lynx. The expansion of the referential framework will allow us to strongly discriminate the role of hominids and lynxes in fossil accumulations of rabbits, especially when this kind of preys was usually exploited and accumulated by the hunter–gatherers in caves and shelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserving large carnivores in multi-use landscape is a global challenge. In northern Norway the presence of Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ) conflicts greatly with the current ways of keeping free-grazing, unguarded livestock in large carnivore habitat. In contrast to most other places in Europe, livestock (sheep Ovis aries , reindeer Rangifer tarandus ) are the only ungulate prey available for lynx in this area. The relative preference by lynx for these two domestic species will strongly influence depredation pressure for the respective species. We examined predation patterns on domestic sheep in summer from 17 GPS-collared lynx that had access to both free ranging sheep and reindeer. During 1115 lynx monitoring days, we documented 47 sheep and 274 reindeer killed by lynx. Most lynx individuals selected reindeer over sheep and the probability for a kill to be a sheep increased at low reindeer densities combined with high sheep densities. Kill rates on sheep were several times lower than for reindeer and were not related to density of livestock. General avoidance and low kill rates on sheep by most lynx generated low predation pressure on sheep within the reindeer husbandry, similar to what has been observed in areas of high roe deer densities. However, even a small shift of herd location within the designated summer grazing areas for reindeer could potentially cause a significant increase in depredation on sheep locally. This is one of several studies demonstrating that the density of alternative prey can modulate kill rates on livestock, which is important to include in spatially explicit risk models of large carnivore depredation on livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybridization and introgression are of conservation concern because they can lead to lower fitness, and in some cases, extinction of the parental population or species. Alternatively, hybridization can lead to increased fitness (i.e., heterosis) via generation of new genetic combinations and increased adaptive potential. There have been isolated observations of the Canada lynx ( Lynx canadensis ) hybridizing with the closely-related bobcat ( Lynx rufus ), but no comprehensive study has been undertaken of lynx–bobcat hybridization across their geographic ranges. The lynx distribution in North America has contracted by 40% from its historical range, and hybridization with bobcats is a potential, uncertain threat to lynx conservation. We conducted a continental-scale assessment of the prevalence of hybridization and genetic introgression between lynx ( n = 1776, Canada and Alaska, USA) and bobcat ( n = 1075, Canada and conterminous USA). Using control region sequences and clustering of microsatellite data, we found that the prevalence of genetic introgression was relatively low (7 of 2851 individuals (0.24%)). We found evidence of backcrossing to both lynx and bobcat parental types, suggesting that hybrids can be fertile. If the abundance of Canada lynx at the southern extent of its distribution is low relative to bobcat, hybridization and backcrossing with bobcat over several generations could result in the loss of lynx in areas of sympatry. If climate warming results in the bobcat distribution shifting northward towards the southern extent of the lynx distribution, the likelihood of interspecific hybridization could increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ) is the most critically endangered felid. A high reproductive success within the Iberian Lynx Conservation Breeding Program is crucial to maintaining the goal of reintroducing captive born offspring to the wild and thus increasing the population. Lynx follow a unique reproductive strategy with a monoestrous cycle and persisting CLs over many years. These persistent CLs constantly produce progesterone (on average 5 ng/mL) and are hypothesized to hinder a polyestrous cyclicity in lynx. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether artificial luteolysis can be achieved with common luteolytic drugs and if luteolysis would induce a second estrus naturally. We observed a functional regression of lynx CLs after artificial luteolysis with 2.5 μg/kg body weight PGF2α analogue (cloprostenol) administered three times every 16 hours. We could see a similar effect when combining cloprostenol with other drugs like an anti-gestagen (aglepristone) or a dopamin-agonist (prolactin-inhibitor, cabergolin) or by prolonging the cloprostenol administration to a total of 5 days. However, the sample size was too small to draw conclusions about which protocol is superior or if combining different drugs would result in a positive synergism. Neither structural regression of CLs nor subsequent spontaneous estrus induction was induced with any of these treatments. We suggest that a dose of 2.5 μg/kg body weight cloprostenol administered once daily over 3 to 5 days is sufficient for functional luteolysis in lynx. The next step would be to compare the success of estrus induction with or without the preceding artificial luteolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scent-marking is widespread among mammals and has been observed in many felid species. Although the behaviour is well-described, little is known about its function in wild felid populations. We investigated patterns of scent-marking and its role in intra- and intersexual communication among resident and non-resident Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx by observing interactions among wild lynx at natural marking sites by means of infrared camera traps. Marking activity of resident animals showed a peak during the mating season and was lowest during the time when females gave birth and lactated. Both sexes scent-marked, but male lynx visited marking sites much more often than females and marked relatively more often when visiting a site. Most visits to marking sites were by residents but we also observed scent-marking by non-residents. Juveniles were never observed marking. We found no evidence of lynx regularly renewing scent-marks after a certain 'expiry date' but the presence of a strange scent-mark triggered over-marking. Males responded similarly to the presence of another individual's scent-mark, irrespective of whether it was the top- or the underlying scent-mark in a mixture of scent-marks they encountered. Our results suggest that marking sites could serve as 'chemical bulletin boards', where male lynx advertise their presence and gain information on ownership relationships in a given area. Females placed their urine marks on top of the ones left by resident males, but further studies are needed to explain the functions of over-marking in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycle of livestock depredation and retaliatory killing constitutes a major threat to large carnivores worldwide and imposes considerable hardships on human communities. Mitigation efforts are often undertaken with little knowledge of ecological underpinnings and patterns of depredation, limiting conservationists' ability to develop, prioritize, and evaluate solutions. Carnivore detection and depredation data from interviews in affected communities may help address this gap, but such data are often prone to false-positive uncertainty. To address these challenges in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan we collected snow leopard, lynx, wolf, and bear detection and depredation reports from local communities via semi-structured interviews. We used a novel hierarchical multi-species multi-state occupancy model that accounted for potential false-positives to investigate carnivore site use and depredation concurrently with respondents' apparent vulnerability to that risk. Estimated false-positive probabilities were small, but failure to account for them overstated site use probabilities and depredation risk for all species. Although individual vulnerability was low, depredation was nonetheless commonplace. Carnivore site use was driven by clear habitat associations, but we did not identify any clearly important large-scale spatial correlates of depredation risk despite considerable spatial variation in that risk. Respondents who sheltered livestock in household corrals reinforced with wire mesh were less likely to report snow leopard depredations. Reducing depredation and retaliation at adequately large scales in the Pamirs will likely require a portfolio of species-specific strategies, including widespread proactive corral improvements. Our approach expanded inference on the often-cryptic processes surrounding human-carnivore conflict even though structured wildlife data were scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many ecological studies recognize the importance of the three-dimensional complexity of the landscape, only a small number of investigations incorporate it into their methods. Through an empirical study we assess the extent to which habitat metric patterns vary measured by 3D versus 2D methods, and whether it is possible that variations are associated with scale, topographic complexity or specific animal behavior. We analyze areas and potential animals where the use of 3D approaches is most influential for reliable results in ecological studies. This study was carried out in southern Spain, focusing on game estates covering an area of about 2.241 km2. The topographical features of the areas were obtained from a digital terrain model (DTM) and a scalable terrain model (STM) generated from Lidar data. The estates were categorized according to a preliminary 3D vs. 2D surface increment index (SI index). Then an experimental repeated measures design was carried out to compare three nested scales from 1 to 4 km square plots. The influence of plot topography on the SI index was analyzed statistically. Plots were also compared pair-wise through a post hoc comparison analysis. In order to establish how 3D affects the metrics of the trajectories travelled by different animal species, we simulated movements of Oryctolagus cunniculus , Cervus elaphus , Canis lupus and Lynx pardinus , which move and behave differently in the study area. We simulated 15 replicate paths per specie, assuming 24 fixes per path. Variations in animal trajectories were analyzed by fitting general linear models (GLMs), which also provide a basic method for estimating the potential errors produced by a simple 2D analysis. We obtained significant differences between the projected and geometric surface areas, with an increase of up to 11.15% and an increase in animal paths length up to 5% using 3D approaches. Landscape complexity, rather than species type, is related to animal path metrics differences. However, in species such as deer and lynx the 3D spatial component is basic for an accurate estimate of path length, especially in heterogeneous landscapes. Altitude and slope range are determining factors for considering the 3D approaches as advisable. Our results confirm that ecological studies ignoring three-dimensional (3D) components run the risk of misinterpretation due to the fact that the bi-dimensional (2D) approach underestimates distances and landscape area. The use of 3D methods provides more accurate results than with 2D approaches, with far-reaching implications for a wiser wildlife management and conservation in Mediterranean ecosystems. • 3D component affects surface and linear metrics in Mediterranean ecological contexts. • Altitude range significantly explains the underestimated metrics resulting from using 2D approaches. • There is up to 11.15% difference between the projected 2D and 3D geometric areas. • There is up to 5% difference between the 2D and 3D length. • Landscape complexity, rather than species type, is related to animal path metrics differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the most widely distributed felids in the world. However, most of its populations started to decline a few millennia ago. Historical declines have been especially severe in Europe, and particularly in Western Europe, from where the species disappeared in the last few centuries. Here, we analyze the genome of an Eurasian lynx inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula 2500 ya, to gain insights into the phylogeographic position and genetic status of this extinct population. Also, we contextualize previous ancient data in the light of new phylogeographic studies of the species. Our results suggest that the Iberian population is part of an extinct European lineage closely related to the current Carpathian-Baltic lineages. Also, this sample holds the lowest diversity reported for the species so far, and similar to that of the highly endangered Iberian lynx. A combination of historical factors, such as a founder effect while colonizing the peninsula, together with intensified human impacts during the Holocene in the Cantabrian strip, could have led to a genetic impoverishment of the population and precipitated its extinction. Mitogenomic lineages distribution in space and time support the long-term coexistence of several lineages of Eurasian lynx in Western Europe with fluctuating ranges. While mitochondrial sequences related to the lineages currently found in Balkans and Caucasus were predominant during the Pleistocene, those more closely related to the lineage currently distributed in Central Europe prevailed during the Holocene. The use of ancient genomics has proven to be a useful tool to understand the biogeographic pattern of the Eurasian lynx in the past. • We sequenced the mitogenome and the nuclear genome of a Eurasian lynx inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula 2 kya. • This population was part of an extinct European lineage closely related to the current Carpathian-Baltic lineages. • The sampled individual shows an extremely low genomic diversity. • Sequential bottlenecks during colonization and human impacts may have caused the genetic impoverishment of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU-funded project Lynx focuses on the creation of a knowledge graph for the legal domain (Legal Knowledge Graph, LKG) and its use for the semantic processing, analysis and enrichment of documents from the legal domain. This article describes the use cases covered in the project, the entire developed platform and the semantic analysis services that operate on the documents. • The EU project Lynx has developed a Knowledge Graph for the legal domain (LKG). • The LKG interlinks a large number of documents through linguistic and semantic information. • The Lynx technology platform includes a large number of semantic processing services. • Multilingual services can be flexibly combined into complex tasks by a workflow manager. • The three use cases benefit from the flexible Lynx platform and the multilingual LKG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]