During a three-year period, methods for DNA-based identification of individuals of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from snow tracks will be developed. Newly developed DNA-collection and extraction methods will be used to analyse DNA from snow tracks to identify individuals and sex. The advantage of the method is that identification can be made without taking physical samples directly from the individuals or tracking down rare samples of hairs or faeces. The aim is that the methodology will simplify inventories of Eurasian lynx and contribute with new knowledge about family groups and migration patters for direct use by wildlife managers. The project is a collaboration project between AquaBiota, Nordens Ark and the Swedish County Administrative Board and is funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Eurasian lynx in snow. Photo: Nicklas Wijkmark.