The lynx is in danger in Switzerland and could disappear if nothing is undertaken to save it, alerts the Swiss wolf group. In question: too high a consanguinity. His safeguard goes through the introduction of new individuals from abroad.
The high consanguinity that affects lynx populations in Switzerland promotes the appearance of hereditary diseases, explained David Gerke, a feline specialist in Graubünden on Thursday at the microphone of the RTS morning.
“In the Lynx of the Alpine Arc, we observe in particular malformations of the heart valve. It closes badly and this leads to high mortality among young lynx.”
In the Jura too
And the Jura is not spared. “We discovered young people without ears there. Here too, these are genetic malformations, probably linked to this too strong in -consanguinity,” continues the specialist.
Solutions to ensure the sustainability of the animal exist, in particular genetic renewal by the introduction of new individuals from abroad. But their implementation remains complex. “The nearest healthy lynxes are in the carpathians. It is too far for a natural brewing with the populations in Switzerland. There is therefore no other alternative than to release new lynx”, points David Gerke.
To this are added complicated political obstacles, sometimes difficult to overcome, “with opponents of the lynx among hunters and farmers, in particular.” But the specialist warns: “It would however be dangerous to delay too much.”
Nicole della Pietra/FGG
