Potential distribution and population size of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in the jura Mountains and possible corridors to adjacent ranges

To estimate the potential population size of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in the Jura Mountains and to assess possible corridors between this population and adjacent areas (the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest and the Alps), we adapted a previously developed Geographic Information system (GIS) probability model for lynx distribution and extrapolated it over the entire mountain range. The model was based on knowledge of the habitat use and land tenure system of resident animals from the central part of the Jura Mountains, where lynx were followed by means of radio‐telemetry. Corridors were computed in the GIS using a friction grid and a cost distance function. The friction value attributed to each land use variable was assessed from our observations of lynx dispersal. Our model predicts a breeding population in the Jura Mountains of 74‐101 individuals and 51‐79 individuals when continuous habitat patches of < 50 km² are disregarded. The Jura population lies within the range of a viable population if only demographic aspects are taken into account, but is rather small from a genetic point of view. Genetic viability would be assured if the Jura lynx population were part of a larger metapopulation. Potential corridors exist from the Jura Mountains to the Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest and the Alps (Chartreuse and Salève, respectively). The length of these corridors range within 7.3‐37.3 km, and their costs are all within the range of radio‐collared lynx roaming outside their prime habitat. The best corridor leads south to the Chartreuse, an isolated part of the French Alps, which is itself connected to the rest of the Alps by two corridors of 4.5 and 6.5 km, respectively. Observations in the Chartreuse indicate that lynx may have immigrated from the Jura Mountains, but there is no evidence for the use of northern corridors, as the species has not yet completely occupied this area. We conclude that the monitoring of the population size, its spatial expansion, and the genetic surveillance in the Jura Mountains must be continued, as the status of the population is still critical. Only good surveillance would allow the necessary conservation measures to be initiated in time.