Survival of injured Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and non-natural mortality in central-southern Spain

Captures and observations of handicapped carnivores living in the wild have been occasionally reported, but no information has been found in the scientific literature about survival or reproductive success of such individuals. In this study, a sample of 44 Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), collected from central-southern Spain between 1960 and 1983, has been analyzed. Evidence is presented of several lynx that had recovered in the wild from serious physical injuries, and causes of non-natural mortality are described. Results indicate that some lynx were even able to produce offspring, despite suffering physical limitations such as an amputated limb. Results suggest that, as in Doñana National Park, trapping (for predator control and capture of rabbits) was the main cause of non-natural mortality in central-southern Spain for the period considered.