Loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding as a threat to lynx populations in the Czech Republic (2024–2026)

The goal is monitoring of genetic diversity and health status of highly endangered lynx populations in both areas of occurrence in the Czechia: on the Czech-Slovak border (edge of the Carpathian population) and in southwestern Bohemia (the Bohemian-Bavarian-Austrian pop.). The aims are: 1) to analyse trends in temporal genetic diversity changes with regard to kinship relationships and inbreeding, 2) to monitor health status and signs of inbreeding depression, 3) to analyse individual dispersal regarding landscape fragmentation and population isolation. The main purpose is to provide robust data on the population-genetic parameters of lynx populations necessary for further conservation management in relation to the preparation and implementation of the Czech Eurasian lynx Management plan.