Kodiac explores the new Extremadura Territory

16/06/2014

The reintroduction of endangered animals such as the Iberian lynx in territories in which its presence has already been detected, implies a very rigorous previous work. Both the animal to liberate, as the area where it is going to be liberate, must have a set of appropriate conditions. Had been fundamental the work and accumulated experience in reintroductions carried out in Andalusia in the last three LIFE projects, coordinated by the Junta de Andalucía, and that in these last two projects have managed to set up two new nucleus of population in Guadalmellato (Córdoba) and Guarrizas (Jaén ). The collaboration of the 19 beneficiaries of this latest project which began in 2011, and the coordination with the four captive breeding nucleus, enables the main goal that moves us all: retrieving the historical distribution of the Iberian Lynx in Spain and in Portugal.

The liberation of Kodiac, first Lynx reintroduced in Extremadura after 30-year absence of the specie, is the result of a preliminary study of the habitat on the vegetation structure and availability of the rabbit, its basic prey. Furthermore, the population of nearby towns, were, in the majority, in accordance with the work done with this liberation, consisting on another basic requirement. These actions are being implemented by the Government of Extremadura, Adenex, Agroforex and CBD-Habitat as beneficiaries of LIFE + Iberlinx project are included on the general purposes of the project.
Kodiac, born in CNRLI Silves (Portugal), was subjected, during their first year of life, to a special treatment to boost their wild instincts and avoid positive associations as the human being. After this period and considering able to be released, and after the necessary health tests, was radio fitted with a satellite collar and released using the methodology of "solta branda ". This methodology consists in the release of a specie in a pre-adaptation fence in which are created suitable conditions to an adequate habitat and where is monitored the animal to value its evolution on the first days. After the animal show being adapted to the environment, the fence is open and proceeds the release in nature. This type of reintroduction, previously used in the fields of reintroduction of Guadalmellato and Guarrizas, as well as in genetic reinforcements of Doñana, is recommended by experts to the first liberations as they are fundamental for further experiments.
Kodiac is not alone. For this week is scheduled the release of other two Lynxes in the same area. When they were considered adapted will be released in nature and three new species will be again subjected to the method of “solta branda”. This way successively till the eight that are expected to release this year. Once reached an adequate number, a consistent population in nature, and if the conditions allow, the next lynxes will be liberated according to the method of “solta dura”, which means, directly in their natural habitat.