The selection of breeding dens by the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus): implications for its conservation

Abstract

We investigated the preferences shown by Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) for structures and sites for denning in DonÄ ana National Park. Lynx proved to be highly selective regarding the features of the natural structures selected, but their preferences concerning the characteristics of the habitat for the denning sites were not so evident. All located litters were born inside hollow trunks with very large cavities (mean area=0.40 m 2 ). Later, they were moved into bushes characterised by their large size (mean area=201.7 m 2 ) and protective capabilities. We used logistic regressions to explore the relative strength of association between the selection of dens, the characteristics of their structure and those of the habitat around dens. The regressions indicated that the physical nature of dens was more important for breeding lynxes than habitat features (like prey densities or structure of vegetation). Preserving old growth habitats is important for the conservation of the endangered Iberian lynx because they provide suitable breeding structures. #

The use of breeding dens and kitten development in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

“…Den use for long periods would favour the growth of ectoparasites (McCord & Cardoza, 1982;Butler & Roper, 1996) and also increase the danger of attracting predators through odour and other signals. Also, den changes may be a response to the need of the mother for improved access to areas of high prey density (Laurenson, 1993), although in our area, den selection does not seem to be in¯uenced by this factor at any stage (Ferna Ândez & Palomares, 2000). The denning period ends c. 2 months after birth, an age when, like in other felids, Iberian lynx kittens show complex motor capabilities and begin to accompany their mothers on some excursions (Turner & Bateson, 1988;Laurenson, 1993;pers.…”

“…In the Iberian lynx, this change seems to be related to the kittens' need for space to develop motor skills. Lynx births occur inside hollow trunks with dimensions of c. 0.4 m 2 (Ferna Ândez & Palomares, 2000). The litters are con®ned and tightly grouped there for some weeks with no opportunity for expansion.…”

“…The denning period ends when the kittens emerge from these structures. Both types of dens seem to play an important role in the protection of kittens against temperature¯uctuations and potential enemies (Ferna Ândez & Palomares, 2000).…”

Adaptation to cold and predation—shelter use by invasive raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides in Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland)

“…Higher visibility in winter forces raccoon dogs to select safer shelters, such as burrows and hollow trees. Successful reproduction may be linked to the availability and quality of breeding den sites (Magoun and Copeland 1998;Fernandez and Palomares 2000). As shown by several studies, hollow trunks of trees are very important den sites for many species of carnivores (e.g., Fernandez and Palomares 2000;Zalewski 1997a).…”

“…Often animals rest in provisional lairs, and they select for cover, rather than specific shelter (Podgórski et al 2008). Safer den sites (burrows, tree holes, and cavities) are used usually in critical periods of the annual life cycle, such as reproduction or wintering (Fernandez and Palomares 2000;McLoughlin et al 2002). Some species of carnivores, such as wolves (Canis lupus) or red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) utilize dens mainly for the protection of their infant young (Jędrzejewski et al 2001;Theuerkauf et al 2003;Goszczyński et al 2008).…”