Multidisciplinary monitoring and stakeholder engagement support large carnivore restoration in human-dominated landscape

Abstract

Translocations are central to large carnivore restoration efforts, but inadequate monitoring often inhibits effective conservation decision-making. Extinctions, reintroductions, illegal killings, and high inbreeding levels of the Central European populations of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) typify the carnivore conservation challenges in the Anthropocene. Recently, several conservation efforts were initiated to improve the genetic and demographic status but were met with variable success. Here, we report on successful, stakeholder-engaged translocation efforts across three countries aimed to: (1) reinforce the Dinaric lynx population that was suffering from high inbreeding levels and (2) create a new stepping-stone subpopulation in the neighboring Southeastern Alps to help connect the Dinaric and Alpine populations. To evaluate the success of these efforts, we used multidisciplinary and internationally coordinated monitoring using systematic camera trapping, non-invasive genetic sampling, GPS tracking, recording of reproductive events and interspecific interactions, as well as the simultaneous tracking of the public and stakeholders' support of lynx conservation before, during, and after the translocations. Among the 22 translocated wild-caught Carpathian lynx, 68% successfully integrated into the population and local ecosystems, and at least 59% reproduced. The probability of dispersing from the release areas was three times lower with the soft-release method than with hard-release method. Translocated individuals had substantially lower natural mortality and higher reproductive success, while their ecological impact was similar compared to the lynx from the remnant population. Cooperation with local hunters and protected area managers enabled us to conduct multi-year camera-trapping and non-invasive genetic monitoring across a 12,000-km² transboundary area. Results indicate a reversal in population decline, as the lynx abundance increased for >40% during the 4-year translocation period. Effective inbreeding decreased from 0.32 to 0.08–0.19, suggesting a twofold to fourfold increase in fitness. Furthermore, the successful establishment of a new stepping-stone subpopulation represents an important step toward restoring the Central European lynx metapopulation. Robust partnerships with local communities and hunters, coupled with transparent communication, helped maintain high public and stakeholder support for lynx conservation throughout the translocation efforts. Lessons learned about the importance of stakeholder involvement and multidisciplinary monitoring conducted across several countries provide a successful example for further efforts to restore large carnivores in human-dominated ecosystems.