ELOIS
(European Lynx Online Information
System)
For the conservation of a species, updating information on the status and distribution of the populations all over its range is essential and should be done regularly, using standardised methods.
A first survey on the situation of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe was conducted by Breitenmoser & Breitenmoser-Würsten (1990) on behalf of the Council of Europe. In 1995, the status survey was repeated, mainly because of the considerable changes regarding the political map and the wildlife management practices in Central and Eastern Europe. This second inquiry was again published by the Council of Europe as “Action Plan for the Conservation of the Eurasian Lynx in Europe” (Breitenmoser et al. 2000).
An update for the period 1996-2001 has now been due. Therefore, contacts in all European countrys with lynx occurrences have been asked to participate in the inquiry and provide all relevant information by means of a detailed, population based questionnaire, and raster maps. The questions covered subjects like population size, tendency and distribution, legal status, harvest and losses, management, depredation and compensation as well as major threats and conservation measures. We expect interesting results, as the accession to the European Union has induced changes in legislation in many countries, and the implementation of programmes like Natura 2000 may have an effect on the lynx populations.
We aim to develop a database and GIS system on the status of the lynx across Europe, which can be updated at any time required. The future goal of ELOIS would then be the establishment of an online service to make the information readily available to scientists, managers, and nature conservationists involved in lynx conservation and management.
The project ELOIS is supported by WWF
Switzerland.
Contact: Manuela von Arx, m.vonarx@kora.ch
