Robust monitoring of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in the Slovak Carpathians reveals lower numbers than officially reported

摘要: The Eurasian lynx Lynx population in the Carpathian Mountains is considered to be one of best preserved and largest Europe hence a source for past current reintroduction projects central Europe. However, its status Slovakia has been reported European Commission on basis hunters´ reports expert estimates that have never validated by robust scientific approach. We conducted first camera-trapping surveys estimate density means spatial capture–recapture models two reference areas during 2011–2015. estimated per 100 km2 suitable habitat (posterior SD) as 0.58 ± SD 0.13 independent individuals (adults subadults) Stiavnica 0.81 0.29 Veľka Fatra National Park surroundings. These are lowest densities using so far species, suggesting below carrying capacity. suspect low may attributable undetected human-caused mortality. Our results imply official game statistics substantially overestimated. Moreover, not at favourable conservation required EU Habitats Directive. therefore call thorough assessment trend Slovak population, establishment scientifically monitoring system.