Photo © LIFE Habitat Lince Abutre
About a decade ago, eight artificial burrows for Iberian lynx were installed in Moura, Alentejo, in areas of suitable habitat for the presence of this feline but where there are few important natural shelters for its reproduction, such as cavities in large trees.
The measure, which is experimental, was implemented under the LIFE Vulture Lynx Habitat project, in the context of the LPN's Lynx Program work in the region.
These structures are in remote locations, difficult to access, and are only visited once or twice a year for monitoring (before and/or after the breeding season).
After more than ten years since its installation, and benefiting from a donation given by the boy Francisco, raised through the creation of the "Iberian lynx tea" at Quinta Aroma das Faias, LPN has now carried out the necessary maintenance.
Maintenance work, prior to the start of the hatching season, is essential to make these structures suitable for their function as breeding shelters and consists of repairs to the structure (in wood and iron), its roof (cork) and interior (cleaning).
Of the eight burrows visited, two presented severe damage: one due to a rock collapse, whose structural damage was mitigated; and the other due to rotting of the wooden structure by the action of decomposing fungi, which was considered unfit for breeding. All the remaining burrows had some small but expected damage, all of them fixed by the team.
To date, these burrows have been used as refuge by some species of carnivorous mammals that, like the Iberian lynx, seek out cavities like these during the breeding season (weasel and genet).
With the natural expansion of the Iberian lynx population already established in the Guadiana Valley, the probability of occurrence and settlement of this feline in new territories geographically close and suitable for the species, such as this one in Moura, is now greater, which further reinforces the importance of these maintenance actions.
Artificial burrow used as daytime shelter by two young weasels (Martes foina), a small carnivorous mammal that, although common, is difficult to observe due to its nocturnal habits.
To Francisco, and his family, our many thanks!
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