The genetic differences between lynxes in France are so small that they will probably no longer exist in thirty years’ time. This is shown by DNA research on the big cats. There are only 120 to 150 adult animals left in France, so there is often inbreeding.
Conservationists therefore warn that immediate action is needed to save the lynx in France. Research shows that the diversity of the 150 animals is equal to that of only 38 lynxes. That is very worrying, say the researchers.
Among lynxes, the level of inbreeding is “devastating”. Cats that are very closely related have offspring. The lack of genetic diversity means that animals become ill more often and that they are less able to adapt to changes in nature.
Bringing lynxes from abroad
One solution could be to transfer lynxes from Switzerland or Germany to France. Orphaned cubs can also be housed in nests in other areas. In this way, European populations mix with each other. That is good for the diversity of the lynx.
The lynx’s habitat is spread across Europe and parts of Asia. But due to inbreeding, poaching and the increasing number of traffic accidents, that habitat is coming under pressure.
In the eighteenth century, the lynx had also completely disappeared from France. After a project to reintroduce the animal, some lynx settled in the Jura on the border of France and Switzerland.
Ontvang meldingen bij dierennieuws
