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Active reintroductions are a promising but often challenging way to support species survival and help them re-occupy lost habitats. Reintroductions run a high risk of encountering genetic problems, which contribute to the long- term failure of many (if not most) reintroductions. These problems arise due to a low number of founder animals and isolation from adjacent populations. This is the case for most Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) reintroductions, as they show significantly reduced heterozygosity levels. Here we present genetic status of two reintroduced lynx populations and compare findings with data from other reintroduced and natural populations. First, we present the development over 15 years of the genetic diversity in the lynx population in the Harz Mountains, Germany. This popula-tion was reintroduced from captive-bred animals and has successfully spread over the past decade. Compared to other reintroduced lynx populations, heterozygosity values are still moderate to high, albeit slowly decreasing over time. Second, we present the current genetic status of the newly reintroduced population in the Palatinate Forest. Currently, the reintroduction includes lynx indi-viduals originating from several populations in Switzerland and from the native natural range in the Carpathians. Reproduction and admixture of individuals of distant origin already occured, while other individuals died before successful reproduction. Here we present the current and prospective genetic status of the newly established population. We suggest that origin of founder individuals, initial founder size and time since reintroduction are the crucial factors explaining relative levels of genetic diversity between the reintroduced populations. Last, we show the first results of a comparative ge-nome wide study, which will provide for the first time robust estimates of genetic diversity and in-breeding across the different Central European lynx populations. Collaboration across Europe made it possible to assemble a set of reference samples from six reintroduced and one autochthonous popu-lation. These samples will also be the basis for better comparability of genetic diversity indices be- tween studies and populations. This dataset will further provide a basis for lynx managers and re-searchers working on the implementation of effective strategies to connect lynx populations in Western and Central Europe. |
