Effects of food supplementation on home-range size, reproductive success, productivity and recruitment in a small population of Iberian lynx

Published source details López-Bao J.V., Palomares F., Rodriguez A. & Delibes M. (2010) Effects of food supplementation on home-range size, reproductive success, productivity and recruitment in a small population of Iberian lynx. Animal Conservation, 13, 35-42.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival Action Link

Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival

A replicated, controlled study in 1985–2008 in two shrubland areas in southern Spain (López-Bao et al. 2010) found that supplementary feeding did not increase the breeding rate of Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus or survival of offspring. The proportion of female lynx that reproduced in areas where supplementary food was provided (66%) did not differ significantly from that in areas where it was not (83%). Similarly, survival of lynx offspring did not significantly differ (supplementary food: 100%; no supplementary food: 88%). In 2002–2008, six lynx breeding territories were each supplied, throughout the year, with live domestic rabbits at approximately three feeding stations. An unspecified number of other territories were not supplied with rabbits. Fifteen adult female lynx were fitted with radio-collars and were monitored in 1985–2007. Data on breeding were obtained in March–May of 1993–2008, by tracking females to locate dens. Lynx were also monitored by sightings, camera-trapping, and radio-tracking.

(Summarised by: Rose Hinson and Diana Tarrazo)