The fitting of wildlife passages, an effective solution to avoid car collisions with the Iberian lynxes

Car collisions with Iberian lynxes stand out as the most significant cause of death. For example, last year, there were 31 car collisions (18 in Andalusia, 9 in Castilla La Mancha, 3 in Extremadura, and 1 in Portugal), accounting for 53 per cent of lynx deaths in 2017. In total, in the 2002-2017 period (three consecutive LIFE Nature projects, the latest being Iberlince 2011-2018), 114 car collisions were registered, representing 45% of the feline's mortality. But this mortality rate should be contemplated in the context of both population growth (more lynxes, higher risk) and occupied area: in 2002, areas with lynx presence comprised 125 km², whereas in 2017 it exceeded 1,500 km², which entailed areas of lower quality and higher risks.

On the other hand, data analysis clearly shows 'black spots' where it is necessary to act. In total, six road sections account for 68 per cent of the car collisions (the A-4 in Jaén and Ciudad Real; the CM-410 in Toledo; the N-420 in Cordoba; the A-301 in Jaén; and the EX 103 in Badajoz). The good news is that the concentration of collisions in those sections makes it possible to prioritize prevention works. Experience has shown that preventive actions (on roadsides, barriers, drainage cleaning, transversal passages, etc.) work, and not only avoid collisions with wildlife, but also contribute to greater road safety. For example, on the EX 103 motorway in Badajoz, in the Extremadura reintroduction area, wildlife passages were fitted (suiting the passages with nets parallel to the road) and some monitored with Iberlince project camera traps.

Thus, many lynxes have been detected using these passages, as in the case of young 'Nabil' (born in 2016), son of the first female lynx reintroduced in Extremadura. The result of this fitting was that this lynx still roams his territory, and has learned to use the available wildlife passages. We are very concerned about road collisions involving lynxes, but we are also encouraged by these positive stories, such as that of 'Nabil' and other lynxes detected in the passages below the motorway.

Further information at: http://www.iberlince.eu/images/docs/3_InformesLIFE/Informe_Censo_2017.pdf