Lynx eats cat: disease risk assessment during an Iberian lynx intraguild predation

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Lethal interspecific interactions are documented in carnivore guilds.
• Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) have been known to kill mesocarnivores like foxes and mongooses without consumption.
• Previous evidence suggested feral cats may be prey, but lacked documentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first instance of an Iberian lynx killing and partially consuming a feral cat.
• To assess the risk of disease transmission, specifically feline leukemia virus (FeLV), to the reintroduced Iberian lynx population.
• To implement and evaluate disease prevention and monitoring protocols.

Main Methods:

• Field observation of an adult male Iberian lynx in Southwestern Spain.
• Necropsy and diagnostic testing (ELISA, RT-PCR) of the deceased feral cat and the Iberian lynx.
• Clinical evaluation and intensive monitoring of the Iberian lynx post-interaction.

Main Results:

• The first documented case of an Iberian lynx killing and partially consuming a feral cat was recorded.
• The feral cat tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
• The Iberian lynx tested negative for FeLV after clinical evaluation and monitoring, indicating successful containment of potential disease spread.

Conclusions:

• Interspecific killing of feral cats by Iberian lynx can occur, posing a potential disease transmission risk.
• Proactive monitoring and clinical evaluation are crucial for managing disease risks in reintroduced apex predator populations.
• Effective conservation strategies must account for disease ecology and interspecific interactions in vulnerable species.