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The Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx population in the Carpathian Mountains is considered to be one of the best preserved and largest in Europe and hence is a source for past and current reintroduction projects in central Europe. However, its status in Slovakia has been reported to the European Commission on the basis of hunters´ reports and expert estimates that have never been validated by a robust scientific approach. We conducted the first camera-trapping surveys to estimate the density of Eurasian lynx in Slovakia by means of spatial capture–recapture models in two reference areas during 2011–2015. We estimated population density per 100 km2 of suitable lynx habitat (posterior SD) as 0.58 ± SD 0.13 independent individuals (adults and subadults) in the Štiavnica Mountains and 0.81 ± SD 0.29 in Veľká Fatra National Park and surroundings. These are the lowest densities estimated using spatial capture–recapture models so far reported for the species, suggesting the lynx population in Slovakia is below carrying capacity. We suspect that low densities may be attributable to undetected human-caused mortality. Our results imply that official game statistics are substantially overestimated. Moreover, the lynx population in Slovakia may not be at favourable conservation status as required by the EU Habitats Directive. We therefore call for a thorough assessment of the density and trend of the Slovak Carpathian lynx population, and the establishment of a scientifically robust monitoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Carpathians are one of the strongholds of the large carnivore (LC) and large herbivore (LH) populations in Europe and form a cross-border bioregion. In spite of the importance and key-stone role of these species, their public reputation is contradictory, resulting in non-synchronised management among neighbouring countries based on databases and management plans of uncertain quality. LCs are known as generally protected species in Europe, while LHs mainly as game species. We hypothesised that this discrepancy will lead to differences in the quality of their databases, monitoring, and planning systems in the Carpathians. Experts from six Carpathian countries answered questionnaires about those issues related to brown bear (Ursus arctos), grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx {Lynx lynx), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer {Capreolus capreolus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Those LCs and LHs were under total protection in 61% and 6% of the cases, respectively. No relationship was found between the protection level and the quality of population estimation or harvest data. In most cases data on harvesting exist, but their reliability is considered poor. Although there are monitoring systems for every LH species and for most of the LC species, the monitoring is mainly based on personal opinions and rarely on scientific methods. Conservation/management plans exist in about half of the countries for both groups. The protection level does not affect the quality of planning. The elaboration of a common and reliable monitoring system was identified as the most important among the necessary management measures. Among the research priorities the development of robust, reliable and repeatable monitoring methods and the elaboration of comparable management plans were considered as the most essential ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding depression poses a severe threat to small populations, leading to the fixation of deleterious mutations and decreased survival probability. While the establishment of natural gene flow between populations is an ideal long-term solution, its practical implementation is often challenging. Reinforcement of populations by translocating individuals from larger populations is a viable strategy for reducing inbreeding, increasing genetic diversity and potentially saving populations from extinction. The Dinaric population of Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ) has faced high inbreeding levels, with effective inbreeding reaching 0.316 in 2019, endangering the population's survival. To counteract this, population reinforcement was implemented between 2019 and 2023, involving the translocation of 12 individuals from the Carpathian Mountains to the Dinaric Mountains of Slovenia and Croatia. We conducted comprehensive genetic monitoring in this area, gathering 588 non-invasive and tissue samples, which were used for individual identification and estimation of population genetic parameters. We used stochastic modelling to assess the long-term viability of the Dinaric lynx population post-translocation and formulate effective conservation strategies. The model predicts that, despite significant improvement of genetic diversity after translocations, inbreeding will return to critical levels within 45 years. Our results highlight the fact that reinforcement is just the first step and that long-term genetic management is needed to keep the population from sliding back towards extinction. The Dinaric lynx population serves as a compelling example of genetic rescue. The lessons learnt here will be essential for ensuring the viability of the Dinaric lynx in the future and also provide a useful template for conservation of other populations and species facing similar threats., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2025 The Author(s). Evolutionary Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)