O Papel do Programa Lince (LPN/FFI) na Recuperação do Habitat e Presas do Lince-Ibérico no Sul de Portugal

Abstract

The Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) is currently considered the most endangered feline in the world. For this reason, in 2004, the Liga para a Protecção da Natureza (LPN) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) launched the Lynx Programme whose main objective is to contribute to the conservation and long-term management of a corridor of priority habitats for the conservation of the Iberian lynx in Portugal. Here we present some results of this work relating to the recovery of wild rabbit populations at Serra do Caldeirão and the Moura/Barrancos Site – in this latter place, the work concerns the LIFE Lince Moura/Barrancos project, cofunded in 75% by the European Commission. The main objectives were: i) the establishment of management agreements with local stakeholders, and ii) the recovery of wild rabbit populations. Twenty four contacts were made with landowners/game managers, which resulted in nine management agreements with management plans to improve habitat and wild rabbit populations. Under the scope of these management agreements, 128 artificial shelters, 160 food suppliers and 116 water suppliers were implemented in different estates/hunting areas. Although still preliminary, these results were quite positive. In general, all the implemented structures (artificial shelters, food and water suppliers) were used by wild rabbits, indicating their suitability for this species. Given the results achieved, it is expected that, gradually, landowners and game managers will be more receptive to nature conservation, particularly of this Mediterranean habitat.