Parasites of the Reintroduced Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) and Sympatric Mesocarnivores in Extremadura, Spain

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is one of the most endangered felid species in the world. Conservation efforts have increased its population size and distribution and reinforced their genetic diversity through captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. Among several threats that the Iberian lynx faces, infectious and parasitic diseases have underlined effects on the health of their newly reintroduced populations, being essential to identify the primary sources of these agents and assess populations health status. To achieve this, 79 fresh faecal samples from Iberian lynx and sympatric mesocarnivores were collected in the reintroduction area of Extremadura, Spain. Samples were submitted to copromicroscopic analyses to assess parasite diversity, prevalence, and mean intensity of parasite burden. Overall, 19 (24.1%, ±15.1–35.0) samples were positive for at least one enteric parasite species. Parasite diversity and prevalence were higher in the Iberian lynx (43.8%) compared with the others mesocarnivores under study (e.g., the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the Egyptian mongoose Herpestes ichneumon). Ancylostomatidae and Toxocara cati were the most prevalent (15.6%) parasites. Obtained results revealed that Iberian lynx role as predator control might have reduced parasite cross-transmission between this felid and mesocarnivores due to their decreasing abundances. Surveillance programs must include regular monitoring of this endangered felid, comprising mesocarnivores, but also domestic/feral and wild cat communities.

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

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x07869203 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 81 (4) ◽

pp. 377-380 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Javier Millán ◽

Joan Carles Casanova

Keyword(s):

Lynx Lynx ◽

Helminth Parasites ◽

Toxocara Cati ◽

Iberian Lynx ◽

Lynx Pardinus ◽

Feral Cats ◽

Sierra Morena ◽

Sympatric Carnivores ◽

Adult Cats ◽

Herpestes Ichneumon

AbstractFive critically endangered Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) and 35 other sympatric carnivores (19 feral catsFelis catus, 12 Egyptian mongoosesHerpestes ichneumon, and 4 common genetsGenetta genetta) were analysed for helminths in Sierra Morena and Doñana 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 Doñana (80% in adult cats). Other species shared in both areas wereToxocara cati(1 lynx, 31% of cats),Joyeuxiella pasqualei(1 lynx, 21% of cats) andMesocestoidessp. (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)lanceaandCentrorhynchus(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.

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Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus) from the captive breeding program as reservoir of antimicrobial resistant enterococci and Escherichia coli isolates

Journal of Integrated OMICS ◽

10.5584/jiomics.v3i2.142 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alexandre Gonçalves ◽

Gilberto Igrejas ◽

Hajer Radhouani ◽

Tiago Santos ◽

Ricardo Monteiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Captive Breeding ◽

Breeding Program ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Iberian Lynx ◽

Lynx Pardinus ◽

Captive Breeding Program

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Reproductive traits in captive and free-ranging males of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-09-0259 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 139 (1) ◽

pp. 275-285 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Natalia Gañán ◽

Adrián Sestelo ◽

J Julián Garde ◽

Fernando Martínez ◽

Astrid Vargas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Captive Breeding ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Reproductive Traits ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Iberian Lynx ◽

Lynx Pardinus ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Free Ranging

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. Adequate genetic management of in situ and ex situ populations, and linkage between both, require knowledge on male reproductive biology and factors influencing it. We examined the influence of age, free-ranging versus captive conditions and seasonality on phenotypic, endocrine and semen traits, and links between reproductive traits and male fertility. Males had relatively small testes, produced low sperm numbers, a low proportion of normal sperm, and a high proportion of motile sperm. Young (2-year-old) males had lower testosterone levels, fewer sperm, and a lower proportion of motile and normal sperm than ≥4-year-old males. No major differences were found in semen traits before and after the mating season or between free-ranging and captive males, although the latter had better sperm motility. Males with larger relative testes weight and more sperm copulated more frequently, whereas males that produced more sperm with higher motility produced more cubs per female. In conclusion, small relative testes size and low sperm quality could indicate either low levels of sperm competition or high levels of inbreeding. Young males are probably subfertile; there is a slight trend for males in the captive breeding programme to have better semen quality than wild males, and males with higher sperm production are sexually more active and more fertile. These findings have major implications for decisions regarding which males should breed, provide samples for the genetic resource bank, or participate in programmes involving the use of assisted reproductive techniques.

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Helminth fauna of the Iberian lynx, Lynx pardinus

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x00016473 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 72 (3) ◽

pp. 221-226 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

J. Torres ◽

R. García-Perea ◽

J. Gisbert ◽

C. Feliu

Keyword(s):

Iberian Peninsula ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Helminth Fauna ◽

Helminth Species ◽

Lynx Lynx ◽

Toxocara Cati ◽

Iberian Lynx ◽

Lynx Pardinus ◽

Toxascaris Leonina

AbstractSpecimens of 12 helminth species were collected from carcasses of eight Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827), a carnivore endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. These species included: Brachylaima sp. (12.5%) (Trematoda); Taenia pisiformis (12.5%), T. polyacantha (25%), T. taeniaeformis (25%) and Mesocestoides litteratus (37.5%) (Cestoda); Eucoleus aerophilus (12.5%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (12.5%), Toxocara cati (37.5%), Toxascaris leonina (62.5%), Vigisospirura potekhina potekhina (12.5%), Mastophorus muris (12.5%) and Physaloptera praeputialis (12.5%) (Nematoda). The helminth fauna in Iberian lynx is compared with that of L. canadensis and L. rufus in America, and for L. lynx in Eurasia. The potential relationships between the parasitological data and some geographical, historical and dietary factors are discussed.

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