Does kinship affect spatial organization in a small and isolated population of a solitary felid: The Eurasian lynx?

摘要: Social organization in wild carnivores is mostly determined by patterns of family bonds, which may shape the degree relatedness among individuals population. We studied kinship a small and isolated population solitary carnivore, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) to evaluate its effect on spatial distribution individuals. investigated relationship between location pair-wise 28 identified 2004-2011 telemetry, non-invasive sampling genotyping with use 12 autosomal microsatellites Bialowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. The average was relatively low (Lynch Ritland's R = 0.03). Females were significantly more related each other than males males. inferred pedigree showed that dominated only 2 familial groups. did not find significant correlations extent home range overlap or straight-line distances ranges' central points. These results suggest dynamics this felid differ from random mating processes described social carnivores. Although chances could be limited few resident females, presence unrelated floaters provide "breeding buffer" prevent an increase likely inbreeding This system fail preserving genetic diversity small, highly populations; therefore, restoring habitat connectivity crucial ensure sufficient immigration neighboring populations.