A study of the Donna Biology Center (EBT-CSIC) has indicated with the “ambitious” security program On-siteBreeding and Re -Introduction, because of its recovery of the Iberian Lynx because ” Twenty Its population The local species of the peninsula, It plays “one of the biggest victories of European animal protection” from the brink of destruction.
In 2002, because of fewer than 100 copies in independence, it is The most threatened cat of the planetAccording to the International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN). By 2024, on the other hand, the population exceeded 2,000 persons, according to the last census of the Ministry of Environmental Change and the population challenge. This rebirth has allowed it to redefine the “complex risk” to “vulnerable”, and for the first time, add the IUCN to the green list, which recognizes it Successful Security Cases.
In this way, the EPD points out that “one of the key keys” is genetics. ” For more than twenty years, the Iberian Lynx DNA review It has allowed it to rebuild its evolutionary history, detect the effects of the loss of genetic difference, and lead the results of the reproductive and re -introduction plan. Donna’s researcher Jose Antonio Gotoi explained that “it has acted to reduce compliance in captives and reinstated population.” Ecological ecology About the role of genetics in this redemption.
From this study was a period of ibirian lins A common race There Ground sea Western and its distribution reached South France and northern Italy, where it lived in conjunction with its cousin Eurosimatic Lynx. For thousands of years, the two creatures have been mixed, and it is difficult to reconstruct their respective evolutionary stories.
Recent genetic analysis has revealed that the Irrian Linx has been split from the eurocemia period, but the Introche has hidden that old difference. Already in historical times, the population of the Iberian Linz began to fragmented. In the 80s, its distribution area was reduced from 45% to 81%, estimated at 1,100 copies. But the real decline came in 2002With two isolated people in Donana and Andjar-Cartena, each Persons fewer than 50.
To understand how this situation reached, researchers They analyzed the museum samples DNAFossils and old lyrics up to 43,000 years. They discovered that there was a continuous population on the peninsula that was fragmented over time. The ancient lyrics showed less genetic difference than the current, which was the reason for the hybrid chapters with the eurosi lins in the last 4,000 years.
“The genetics have allowed us to evaluate what was about 20,000 years ago Only a few thousand lynx. In the recent centuries, there are obstacles that have been added, they have further reduced diversity, ”the researcher said.
Safety with science
As of 2002, the “a Titanic effort” of security began, often supported by plans Union. All the reproductive programs were launched with genetic support in captive, re -introduction and monitoring of the population. As the EPD indicated, it is “important” to select the most relevant individuals RaceApart from cross sections among relatives, decide where to release each model.
In this context, “one of the greatest achievements Avoid the spread of diseases With genetic base. “A major case Idiopadic youth has affected 20 of the 121 puppies captured between 2005 and 2012. Researchers have identified that the disease was followed by a hereditary system, avoiding the carriers, and managed to abolish the status of subsequent births.
Similarly, comparative studies with other Lynz species have revealed that the Ibirian, despite its historical population, created a specific Genetic regression. This so -called “gene cleansing” allowed some harmful types to be eliminated over time. However, the severe recent population has caused the accumulation of decisive mutations, which affected their fertility, hygiene and adaptation.
One of the “most important” moments for organisms occurred 2007. And Feline leukemia eruption Influenced almost all men Tonana At the entire reproductive time, it causes those people on the brink of extinction. In response, a man from the Andazar-Cardina, also known as Paya, was able to reproduce with three women and left an important offspring for the future of Donana.
In the following years, at least eleven lins were introduced, both of which were freedom and captive. Although only 3 was able to reproduce, in 2022, for the first time in decades, Donnana Exceeded one hundred people. “This is a clear example of genetically recovery,” said Laia Peres Soribs, a pre -researcher.
In addition to monitoring necklace and trap cameras, hinds are used today -ramdic genetic techniques to read Lynx. From the discharges collected in the field, EBT-CSIC scientists DNA and extract They analyze more than 300 genetic markers. This method allows individuals to identify, to know their hereditary, record their reproduction, and to control genetic differences.
Since 2002, four major life plans have been carried out, which have confirmed the existing people, but Reinstall Lynx in their missing areas. These efforts have focused on EndalusiaHowever they have reached EstremuduraOvarian Castilla-la Manja y Pathugal. Each re -introduction is planned depending on the genetic analysis of the available persons, and is always trying to increase the diversity of the set.
Face new challenges
Challenge now Integrate the redemption. The ‘Lynxcone’ program is trying to combine different people to create dynamic metabases, with genetic exchange and natural migration. “To confirm Chronic genetic reliability.
