Collection of field reproductive data from carcasses of the female Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

Information about reproductive physiology in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) would generate knowledge that could be useful in the management of the Swedish lynx population based on the knowledge about their reproductive potential and population development. Age-related differences in ovulation and implantation rates would affect the reproductive output and the development of the population. The aims of this study were to evaluate a protocol for collection of reproductive data from carcasses by comparisons with published field data and to generate data about reproduction in the Swedish lynx. Reproductive organs from 120 females that were harvested between March 1 and April 9 from 2009 to 2011 were collected and evaluated macroscopically for placental scars. Females had their first estrus as yearlings but did not have their first litter until the next season. Pregnancy rates were lower in 2-year-old females than in females aged 3 to 7 years but did not differ significantly from females aged 8 to 13 years (54.5%, 95.6%, and 75.0%, respectively). CL from the present season were morphologically distinctly different from luteal bodies from previous cycles (LBPC). All females ≥3 years had macroscopically visible LBPC, whereas only 67% of 22 to 23 months old females had one to three LBPC and no females <1 year of age had LBPC. Females aged 34 to 35 months had up to eight LPBC, whereas the highest number of LBPC counted in females ≥3 years of age was 11. These data would be in agreement with only one estrus per season and LBPC from at least three previous reproductive seasons in older females. The number of LBPC was significantly correlated with the weight of the ovaries r_s = 0.648, P < 0.001) and the age of the animals (r_s = 0.572, P < 0.001). Uterine weight differed significantly with the stage of the reproductive cycle and was highest for mature females in the luteal phase of the cycle. The estrous period, defined as occurrence of ovarian follicles lasted from March 5 to April 1 in this material. In conclusion, this study confirms that useful information about lynx reproduction can be collected from reproductive organs retrieved after the death of the animals. Continuous monitoring of lynx reproductive organs would therefore make a valuable contribution to collection of field data, gathering information that can be useful for the management of lynx populations and potentially for the lynx as an indicator of environmental disturbances.     

Pregnancy diagnosis in urine of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Diagnosis of pregnancies is an important management tool for the Iberian lynx Conservation Breeding Program, a program geared to recover the world's most endangered felid. Non-invasive methods such as fecal hormone analyses are not applicable to the lynx, since fecal progestin does not follow the typical pregnancy pattern of felids. Therefore, we aimed to test whether urine can be used as an alternative substance for pregnancy diagnosis in the Iberian lynx.Progesterone immunoreactive metabolites were determined in urine samples of pregnant and non-pregnant females before and during breeding season. Additionally, we used the Witness^®Relaxin test to determine relaxin in blood and urine. No differences were found in progestin concentrations determined in urine samples collected from pregnant and non-pregnant animals between day 1 and 65 following mating. Although the Witness^®Relaxin test was positive in serum samples collected from animals between day 32 and 56 of pregnancy, it failed in both fresh and frozen urine samples collected from the same stage of pregnancy. A weak relaxin reaction in urine samples collected from animals between day 29 and 46 of pregnancy was detectable after urines were concentrated by ultrafiltration (>50×). Concentrated samples obtained from non-pregnant and early pregnant animals yielded negative test results. In conclusion, the Witness^®Relaxin test can be applied for pregnancy diagnosis in Iberian lynx in both serum and concentrated urine samples obtained during the second half of pregnancy. A positive relaxin test indicates an ongoing pregnancy, whereas negative tests must be judged carefully as hormone concentrations might be below detection thresholds.     

Lynx reproduction – Long-lasting life cycle of corpora lutea in a feline species

A review of lynxes’ reproductive biology and comparison between the reproductive cycles of the domestic cat and lynxes is presented. Three of the four lynx species (the bobcat excluded) express quite similar reproductive pattern (age at sexual maturity, estrus and pregnancy length, litter size). Similarly to the domestic cat, the bobcat is polyestric and can have more than one litter per year. Domestic cats and many other felid species are known to express anovulatory, pregnant and pseudo-pregnant reproductive cycles in dependence on ovulation induction and fertilization. The formation of corpora lutea (CLs) occurs after ovulation. In pregnant animals, luteal function ends with parturition, whereas during pseudo-pregnancy a shorter life span and lower hormone secretion are observed. The life cycle of corpora lutea in Eurasian lynxes is different from the pattern described in domestic cats. Lynx CLs produce progestagens in distinctive amounts permanently for at least two years, regardless of their origin (pregnancy or pseudo-pregnancy). It is suggested that long-lasting CLs induce a negative feedback to inactivate folliculogenesis, turning a normally polyestric cycle observed in most felids into a monoestric cycle in lynxes.     

圈养猞猁多雄交配雄性的成功繁殖

研究了笼养猞猁多雄交配的结果以及雄性的成功繁殖。雄兽与发情雌兽随机配对,其繁殖成功(所产生的后代数量)不取决于与雌兽的交配顺序、交配次数与持续时间、遗传关系或雄兽的行为特征,但似乎取决于精子质量,特别是取决于形态正常精子的百分率。繁殖成功的雄兽比其竞争对手具有更多的形态正常的精子,似乎更能成功地诱发交配雌兽的排卵。证实了4窝(占总窝数的20%)幼兽的双重父亲身份。在所有情形下, 2雄1雌的交配间隔为24h 。     

A comparison of scat counts and camera-trapping as means of assessing Iberian lynx abundance

Rigorous cost-effective census methods are an essential part of managing wild animal populations, particularly if the involved species require continuous monitoring. In recent years, the range and size of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population have increased notably as a result of conservation programs. Given this expansive scenario, monitoring Iberian lynx using camera-traps may become logistically and financially unfeasible. Here, we test whether or not scat counts are as efficient as camera-trapping in predicting lynx densities and compare the cost of these two approaches to lynx monitoring. We found a significant positive linear relationship between these two methods of assessing Iberian lynx abundance. Lynx abundance assessment by scat counting was six times less expensive than camera-trapping; there was no significant effect of the two study areas on the observed patterns (GLM F_1,7?=?45.81, P?相似文献   

Un nouveau felide (Fissipeda,mammalia) du pleistocene moyen du Maroc: Lynx thomasi N. sp.

The site known as Thomas quarry III (Cassablanca, Morocco) yielded, together with a middle Pleistocene (Tensiftian) fauna, the lower jaw of a lynx, Lynx thomase n. sp., whose dentition is characterized by high and complex premolars, and a very long carnassial. This new species might be descended from post-villafranchian European lynxes.     

Late Pleistocene and Holocene development of the felid fauna (Felidae) of Europe: a review

In the fossil deposits of the Late Pleistocene ( c . 115 000–11 500 years ago), five felid species are recorded in Europe: the wildcat Felis silvestris , Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx , Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus , leopard Panthera pardus and cave lion Panthera leo spelaea . In the Holocene, Europe was colonized by F. silvestris , L. lynx and L. pardinus as well as the lion Panthera leo . The status of P. pardus in post-glacial Europe is unknown. So far, only sparse records indicate that P. pardus survived into the early Holocene. During the Late Glacial, both L. lynx and L. pardinus occurred on the Iberian Peninsula. However, from the Holocene, only the Iberian lynx is recorded in this region. There are subfossil records that indicate that L. pardinus also occurred in central and western France until c . 3000 years ago. Surprisingly, with reservations on the determination of the bones (by J. Altuna), both lions and cave lions seem to be recorded in the Iberian Peninsula in the Late Glacial. There are published records of the lion P. leo in the northern Iberian Peninsula from the early Holocene. However, its presence in Europe on the basis of subfossil records was proven initially from the Atlantic period. In Ponto-Mediterranean regions of Europe, the lion is recorded from the Atlantic to the younger sub-Atlantic.     

Rates of luteolysis and pregnancy in dairy cows after treatment with cloprostenol or dinoprost

Our objective was to determine whether rates of luteolysis or pregnancy differed in lactating dairy cows of known progesterone status and either known or unknown luteal status after either cloprostenol or dinoprost was injected as part of a timed-insemination program. In Experiment 1, 2358 lactating dairy cows in six herds were given two injections of PGF_2α 14 d apart (Presynch), with the second injection given 12 to 14 d before the onset of a timed AI protocol (Ovsynch). Cows (n = 1094) were inseminated when detected in estrus after the Presynch PGF_2α injections. Cows not inseminated (n = 1264) were enrolled in the Ovsynch protocol and assigned randomly to be treated with either cloprostenol or dinoprost as part of the timed-AI protocol. In cows having pretreatment concentrations of progesterone ≥ 1 ng/mL and potentially having a functional corpus luteum (CL) responsive to cloprostenol (n = 558) or dinoprost (n = 519), dinoprost increased (P < 0.05) luteal regression from 86.6 to 91.3%. Despite a significant increase in luteolysis, pregnancies per AI did not differ between luteolytic agents (dinoprost = 37.8% and cloprostenol = 36.7%). Fertility was improved in cows of both treatments having reduced concentrations of progesterone at 72 h and in cows showing signs of estrus. In Experiment 2, an ovulation-resynchronization program was initiated with GnRH or saline in 427 previously inseminated lactating dairy cows of unknown pregnancy status in one herd. Seven days later, pregnancy was diagnosed and nonpregnant cows were blocked by number of CL and assigned randomly to be treated with cloprostenol or dinoprost. Compared with cloprostenol, dinoprost increased (P < 0.05) luteal regression from 69.1 to 78.5%, regardless of the number of CL present or the total luteal volume per cow. Pregnancies per AI did not differ between dinoprost (32.8%) and cloprostenol (31.3%). Although dinoprost was more effective than cloprostenol at inducing luteolysis in lactating dairy cows exposed to an Ovsynch or ovulation-resynchronization protocol, resulting fertility did not differ between products.     

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of Iberian lynx populations

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), one of the world's most endangered cat species, is vulnerable due to habitat loss, increased fragmentation of populations, and precipitous demographic reductions. An understanding of Iberian lynx evolutionary history is necessary to develop rational management plans for the species. Our objectives were to assess Iberian lynx genetic diversity at three evolutionary timescales. First we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation to position the Iberian lynx relative to other species of the genus LYNX: We then assessed the pattern of mtDNA variation of isolated populations across the Iberian Peninsula. Finally we estimated levels of gene flow between two of the most important remaining lynx populations (Do?ana National Park and the Sierra Morena Mountains) and characterized the extent of microsatellite locus variation in these populations. Phylogenetic analyses of 1613 bp of mtDNA sequence variation supports the hypothesis that the Iberian lynx, Eurasian lynx, and Canadian lynx diverged within a short time period around 1.53-1.68 million years ago, and that the Iberian lynx and Eurasian lynx are sister taxa. Relative to most other felid species, genetic variation in mtDNA genes and nuclear microsatellites were reduced in Iberian lynx, suggesting that they experienced a fairly severe demographic bottleneck. In addition, the effects of more recent reductions in gene flow and population size are being manifested in local patterns of molecular genetic variation. These data, combined with recent studies modeling the viability of Iberian lynx populations, should provide greater urgency for the development and implementation of rational in situ and ex situ conservation plans.     

Human–felid conflict as a further handicap to the conservation of the critically endangered Iberian lynx

Most studies on felid depredation of livestock have focused on big cats, and little attention has been paid to this type of conflict in smaller species. The medium-sized Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is not thought to be affected by conflict with humans. However, parallel to an increase in the range of the Iberian lynx in Andújar-Cardeña, an increased incidence of Iberian lynx attacks on livestock has been recorded. A 6-year overview of Iberian lynx predation on livestock in this population shows a total of 40 attacks involving 716 kills (31 attacks on poultry and nine on sheep). Although the majority of these attacks (78 %) were carried out against poultry, sheep depredation resulted in higher economic losses, mainly in extensive flocks (4.6 times more than semi-intensive flocks). An effective compensation program has been implemented in order to mitigate the consequences of the human–lynx conflict in this area. Given that this sort of conflict could become an acute impediment to future conservation of the most endangered felid, managers should anticipate and prevent the potential conflicts that could arise as Iberian lynx colonizes more developed areas.     

Reproductive performance of dairy cows following treatment with cloprostenol 26 and/or 40 days postpartum: a field trial

One hundred and seventy Holstein Friesian cows were randomly assigned to receive either 500 ug cloprostenol or saline placebo on Day 26 postpartum followed by 500 ug cloprostenol or saline on Day 40 postpartum. Four treatment groups were formed: Group 1 - saline (Day 26)/saline (Day 40); Group 2 - cloprostenol/(Day 26) saline (Day 40); Group 3 - saline (Day 26)/cloprostenol (Day 40); Group 4 - cloprostenol (Day 26)/cloprostenol (Day 40). Double blind techniques were used in administering treatments and in assessing the response to treatment. Palpation of the reproductive tract per tectum and uterine biopsies were performed on 92 cows prior to each treatment at Day 26 and Day 40 postpartum. Progesterone concentrations were determined on milk samples collected prior to treatment. There were no significant differences among treatment groups with respect to services per conception, number of heats detected before first service and culling for infertility. Cloprostenol treatment at Day 26 appeared to delay the first estrus, but it reduced the number of days to conception after the first service. Cows receiving cloprostenol at Days 26 and/or 40 had a decreased calving-to-conception interval compared to controls (P = 0.01). Sequential therapy with two doses of cloprostenol resulted in slightly better reproductive performance than either treatment on Day 26 or 40 alone. Treatment with cloprostenol resulted in a decrease in the subsequent incidence of pyometra (P < 0.05). It is concluded that in the herd studied, cloprostenol therapy at Day 26 and/or 40 postpartum was beneficial to reproductive performance. Although it was anticipated that cloprostenol would be more effective in cows with elevated progesterone levels, the opposite was observed at the Day 26 cloprostenol treatment. Uterine biopsy at Days 26 and/or 40 had a detrimental effect on subsequent reproductive performance.     

Estimation of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) population in the Do?ana area, SW Spain, using capture�Crecapture analysis of camera-trapping data

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) has a highly restricted geographic distribution, limited even within the Iberian Peninsula. The last national survey reported less than 200 remaining individuals, distributed in two isolated areas??Andújar-Cardeña and Doñana??and in consequence, the Iberian lynx was listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as ??Critically Endangered??. In this study, we estimate the Iberian lynx population size in the Doñana area using capture?Crecapture analysis of camera-trapping data. A model with different capture probability for each individual (M_h) yielded an estimate of 26 Iberian lynxes (SE?=?5.26) more than 1 year old. It is considered that a small slant in the estimation of the number of individuals could exist due to the presence of dispersers inside the study area that were not detected. Our study shows: (1) a reduction in number since the 1980s (45 individuals), and falling below the theoretical threshold of genetic viability, (2) changes in the species?? spatial distribution in this area, and (3) as for other carnivore species, photographic capture?Crecapture methods are applicable for estimating the size of Iberian lynx populations     

Habitat Conditions Associated With Lynx Hunting Behavior During Winter in Northern Washington

Abstract Effectively managing habitat for threatened populations of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) requires knowledge of habitat conditions that provide for the ecological needs of lynx. We snow-tracked lynx to identify habitat conditions associated with hunting behavior and predation during winters of 2002–2003 and 2003–2004 in the northern Cascade Range in Washington state, USA. We recorded number and success of predation attempts, prey species killed, and trail sinuosity on 149 km of lynx trails. Lynx killed snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and cricetids more than expected in Englemann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) forests, where snowshoe hare densities were highest. Lynx killed prey less than expected in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests and forest openings. We used the sinuosity of lynx trails as an index of quality of habitat hunted. Lynx trails that included predation attempts were more sinuous than trail segments without predation attempts. Lynx trails had greater sinuosity in forest stands with high hare densities dominated by Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir than in stands with low hare densities dominated by Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine or in forest openings. We encourage forest managers to maintain or create sufficient understory cover to support high densities of snowshoe hares as foraging habitat for lynx.     

First report of an intraerythrocytic small piroplasm in wild Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

A wild injured Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) was taken from the Sierra Morena population. During the health check small intraerythrocytic piroplasms, morphologically indistinguishable from other feline piroplasms, were observed in Wright-Giemsa-stained blood films. Amplification by polymerase chain reaction of a portion of the 18S nuclear small subunit (NSS) rRNA gene and sequencing revealed similarity of the unknown organism with sequences obtained from Pallas's cat from Mongolia and from a domestic cat in Spain. In a retrospective (1993-2003) study of 50 Iberian lynx tissue samples, no amplifications of the 18S NSS rRNA gene of the organism were obtained. This is the first report of a naturally occurring erythroparasitemia in the Iberian lynx and the first documented case of naturally occurring piroplasm infection in a free-ranging felid from Europe.     

Compared to dinoprost tromethamine, cloprostenol sodium increased rates of estrus detection, conception and pregnancy in lactating dairy cows on a large commercial dairy

Using two PGF_2α treatments 14 days apart as a way to enhance estrus detection rate following the 2nd treatment is a reproductive management tool that continues to be used on large dairy farms. In one study, in cows with a functional CL and a dominant follicle, treatment with cloprostenol vs. dinoprost resulted in greater peripheral estradiol concentrations. The objective of the present study was to determine if cloprostenol could enhance pregnancy rates of cows in a large dairy herd using a PGF_2α program for 1st artificial insemination (AI). Lactating dairy cows (n = 4549) were randomly assigned to receive two treatments of either 500 μg cloprostenol or 25 mg dinoprost 14 days apart, with the 2nd treatment on the 1st day of the voluntary waiting period (57 DIM). Cows detected in estrus within 5 days after the 2nd treatment were inseminated. There was no effect of treatment on day of estrus detection, with 78% of cows inseminated on Days 3 or 4 following treatment. Cloprostenol increased (P < 0.01) estrus detection rates in 1st parity cows compared to dinoprost, 42.4 vs. 34.0%. In cows inseminated on Days 3 or 4 after treatment, cloprostenol increased (P = 0.05) conception rates compared to dinoprost, 38.3 vs. 34.4%. When treatments and parities were combined, conception rates increased (P < 0.02) with interval after treatment (27.0, 36.4, and 44.5% for Days 1 or 2, Days 3 or 4, and Day 5, respectively). Cloprostenol increased (P = 0.02) overall pregnancy rate compared to dinoprost, 14.4 vs. 12.2%. In summary, cloprostenol increased fertility in 1st parity cows inseminated on Days 3 or 4 following treatment and subsequently enhanced pregnancy rates of 1st parity lactating dairy cows compared to dinoprost. Fertility appeared greater in cows expected to have had a young antral ovarian follicle at treatment.     

First breeding record of a one-year-old female Iberian lynx

According to literature, female Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) start reproducing at 3 years of age. In more recent years, females breeding at 2 years have been recorded in wild populations. Here, however, we describe the first breeding record for a one-year-old female Iberian lynx. This finding was obtained by camera-trapping data, provided by the yearly monitorization of the species that is carried out across its distribution area. A litter of two lynx kittens was found at the south-east limit of the Andujar-Cardeña population. Two camera-traps were set up near the den to identify the breeding female. Photographs obtained confirmed that the breeding female had already been identified the previous year at less than 3 months of age. The case reported here of a yearling female breeding is the first ever from historical distribution range of the species, and as such, is an exceptional event in the reproduction of the Iberian lynx.     

Ovarian and endocrine responses in tropical sheep treated with reduced doses of cloprostenol

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of reduced doses of cloprostenol for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in hair sheep. With the aim to evaluate the luteolytic activity of reduced cloprostenol doses, a first experiment was performed using a relatively large (group H: 126 μg; n = 8), medium (group M: 68.25 μg; n = 6) and small (group L: 38.5 μg; n = 6) cloprostenol dose. Luteolysis was assessed at Days 3 and 6 after injection (Day 0) by progesterone concentrations (P₄) and transrectal ultrasonography (US). In Experiment 2, sheep were randomly assigned to the same three doses to evaluate a protocol for estrous synchronization using two injections administered 9 days apart. A third trial was performed with ewes treated (9 days apart) with the large dose (H = 126 μg; n = 12) and with a small dose adjusted for facilitating volume management (LA = 43.75 μg; n = 12). Presence of estrous cycling was determined in all the ewes by US and P₄ assay, at Days −9, −6, −2, 0 (Day of second cloprostenol injection), 8 and 11. Bleeding and US were done every 4 h from 16 h of the beginning of the estrus during the third trial to assess the preovulatory LH surge and timing of ovulation. Additionally, blood samples were drawn at Days 0, 1, 2 and 3 to assess estradiol (Experiments 2 and 3) and P₄ (Experiment 2) concentrations during the ovarian follicular phase. In all experiments, percentage of animals showing luteolysis, preovulatory follicular dynamics and function and percentage of ewes showing behavioral estrus in response to treatment was similar among groups. Timing of estrus for group H was earlier than group L (28.6 ± 1.8 h compared with 37.1 ± 2.4 h; P < 0.05). In the third trial, the preovulatory LH peak was higher in the LA group than group H, in terms of maximum mean concentration during the surge (27.7 ± 1.8 ng/mL compared with 21.3 ± 2.2 ng/mL; P < 0.05) and area under the curve (AUC; 183.4 ± 12.7 ng/mL compared with 127.7 ± 10.9 ng/mL; P < 0.01). However, timing of ovulation was similar for H and LA groups. Thereafter, ovulation rate and luteal function at Day 11 were similar. Current results demonstrate that reduced doses of cloprostenol may be applied in a practical manner for reproductive management of sheep, with the additional advantage of reducing treatment costs.     

Historical DNA reveals the phylogenetic position of the extinct Alpine lynx

During the last two centuries, lynx populations have undergone severe declines and extinctions in Europe. The Alpine lynx, once distributed across the whole Alpine arc, became extinct due to direct human prosecution and deprivation of its main prey in the 1930s. Similar to the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus , its taxonomy has been subject to several controversies. Moreover, knowing the taxonomic status of the Alpine lynx will help to define conservation units of extant lynx populations in Europe. In this study, we investigated two mitochondrial DNA regions in museum specimens ( n =15) representing the autochthonous Alpine population and in samples from extant Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx populations in Europe and Asia ( n =17). Phylogenetic analysis (cytochrome b , 345 bp) placed the Alpine lynx within the Eurasian lynx lineage. Among all individuals examined, seven different haplotypes (control region, 300 bp) were observed but no unique Alpine haplotype was discovered. Haplotypes of the extinct Alpine population were identical to previously described haplotypes in Scandinavian lynx signifying a recent genetic ancestry with current European populations. Moreover, our genetic data suggest two distinct glacial refugia for the Carpathian and Balkan population. Overall this study demonstrates that historical DNA from extinct populations can help to disentangle the phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of taxa with only a limited number of extant populations remaining.     

Helminth parasites of the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and sympatric carnivores

Five critically endangered Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and 35 other sympatric carnivores (19 feral cats Felis catus, 12 Egyptian mongooses Herpestes ichneumon, and 4 common genets Genetta genetta) were analysed for helminths in Sierra Morena and Do?ana area (southern Spain). Ancylostoma tubaeforme, which was believed to be harmful for lynx cubs according to a previous study, was present in the only lynx and in 53% of cats analysed in Do?ana (80% in adult cats). Other species shared in both areas were Toxocara cati (1 lynx, 31% of cats), Joyeuxiella pasqualei (1 lynx, 21% of cats) and Mesocestoides sp. (2 lynxes, 5% of cats). Only one mongoose was parasitized, harbouring larvae of two acantocephalan species not previously reported in the Iberian peninsula (Centrorhynchus (Sphaerirostris) lancea and Centrorhynchus (Longirostris) undulatus). Feral cats may be a reservoir for hookworms and other helminths affecting the Iberian lynx. In contrast, mongooses and genets may not play a role in the epidemiology of these species.     

Experimental release of an Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Reintroduction to the wild of threatened species has become a modern additional justification for captive propagation. This conservation procedure is costly, and both economic resources and the absence of optimal conditions in the field limit the IUCN recommendations for reintroduction to a small proportion of potential candidate species. Furthermore reintroduction attempts often fail. In carnivores, reintroduction failure is attributed to unsuitable adaptation in the field by captive-reared animals, due to their lack of hunting skills, their tendency to leave the target area, their inadequate interaction with conspecifics or their excessive confidence in humans. This list of causes is based on very few studies of carnivore adaptation after reintroduction. In very rare and endangered species, monitoring individual case-histories is the only way to evaluate reintroduction success. We report a successful experimental release of an Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) which grew up in captivity. Careful feeding-training and avoidance of human contact during the captive phase, as well as good habitat quality and correct interaction with other wild lynx in the release site, seem to account for the observed success. Permanence of the lynx within the release area might be related to the availability of territory vacancies in the receiving population. Our results allow some optimism for future reintroductions of this endangered species in areas where it has become extinct recently.