ABSTRACT Introduction Apex predators exert top‐down pressure on food webs that can shape ecosystem dynamics, while also holding symbolic and utilitarian value for human communities. As human impacts increase, understanding these ecological and societal roles becomes increasingly important for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. Hypothesis Among apex predators, the Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ; hereafter “lynx”) stands out for its relatively low conflict potential and broad public acceptance. Tolerance of lynx could maintain or help restore ecosystem processes in increasingly human‐modified landscapes. Far‐reaching ecological functions are frequently documented for large carnivores and often postulated for the lynx, yet the evidence base has never been systematically compiled. Methods We synthesised research on the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of the lynx to evaluate its role in contemporary ecosystems. Given the few studies available, we qualitatively assessed the ecological effects of lynx, including trophic interactions and symbolic roles. Discussion Lynx influence prey and mesopredator populations both consumptively and non‐consumptively, though consumptive trophic cascades were observed only in northern regions, and non‐consumptive trophic cascades only at fine timescales when perceived predation risk was elevated. Socioeconomic research has focused mainly on burdens associated with lynx, that is, “disservices”, like livestock predation, with less attention to potential benefits, like herbivore limitation in silviculture, that may constitute ecosystem services. Lynx hold intrinsic value for most people but their assumed roles as flagship or umbrella species, remain weakly evidenced and for some stakeholders the lynx may have a counter‐role. Conclusions We conclude that the lynx's ecological and societal importance likely exceeds current literature, but key assumptions about its ecosystem functions remain insufficiently tested. We urge interdisciplinary research leveraging ongoing translocations and ecological gradients, including Asia, to test lynx effects and clarify their full contribution to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity in the Anthropocene.
ABSTRACT Introduction Accurate population density estimates are important for guiding conservation management practices for threatened animal species. Aims This study tests the efficacy of population census methods at a long‐term study site for the mantled howler monkey ( Alouatta palliatta ), La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS) in Costa Rica. This monkey is a group‐living Neotropical primate with long distance vocalizations that is declining throughout its range. Methods We compared the visual count and long calling acoustic triangulation census methods to determine population count and number of social groups. Results We found 14 monkey groups according to both population census methods, indicating the accuracy of the acoustic triangulation method at determining group number. Visual count data showed that the 1.36‐km 2 study area within a 3‐km 2 forest fragment had a population density of 125.7 individuals/km 2 , one of the highest population densities ever recorded for this species, although mean group size of 11.6 (±4.7 SD) monkeys/group at LSBRS remained within the 10–15 monkeys/group range found at other sites. Discussion The observed mean group size at LSBRS fell within the commonly reported range for the species, suggesting that the acoustic triangulation method alone may provide a reasonably accurate estimate of population density for sites with average monkey group sizes and/or where mean group sizes have previously been quantified using visual count surveys. Recommendations We recommend collecting both types of census data where possible, while suggesting that acoustic triangulation censuses can be used on their own when financial resources are limited. Visual counts are necessary to confirm group number and size, and to enable detailed demographic studies.
ABSTRACT Introduction Anthropogenic hybridization (AH) is increasingly recognized as a conservation issue, as human activities facilitate interbreeding between previously isolated mammalian taxa, potentially threatening genetic integrity and population viability. Aims We synthesize current knowledge on AH in mammals, with the aim to fill a knowledge gap on how to address AH and assess the feasibility of management interventions. This review intends to consolidate available knowledge on several aspects concerning AH in mammals, from its occurrence across species and regions to its main human‐derived drivers and its effective management. Methods We reviewed peer‐reviewed articles, books, dissertations, grey literature, and official documents using Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. We screened results by title, abstract, and full text, and used a snowball approach to identify additional studies, analysing ecological drivers, taxonomic and geographic patterns, hybrid detection methods, management strategies, and social dimensions. Results Acknowledging that some cases of management interventions might have been underreported in the scientific literature, and that some might have been published in non‐English sources, we reviewed a total of 289 case studies (1978–2024). AH was documented across 101 mammal species worldwide, predominantly in terrestrial systems and in the orders Carnivora and Cetartiodactyla. The main drivers included free‐ranging domestic animals, low population densities, and translocations. Discussion Where implemented, management responses were highly heterogeneous and often lacked structured frameworks, clear objectives, or population‐level assessments. Three main management interventions have been identified: preventive, proactive, and reactive responses. These approaches were used to address escalating levels of hybridization and were often used in combination. Reactive approaches, particularly removal of admixed individuals was common, though constrained by uncertainty in hybrid identification and social acceptability. Assessment of the effectiveness of management interventions through dedicated monitoring, which would be the ideal approach, has rarely been reported. Accordingly, the modification of management actions following monitoring (i.e., adaptive management), was not widespread. Few of the management‐oriented case studies relied on social engagement and support, underscoring how applicability and sustainability of management actions were markedly affected by the social perception and reaction to management. Conclusion Our findings reveal a substantial gap between knowledge and implementation. Accordingly, we provide recommendations for future AH management, including: (1) the necessity of informative genetic markers with sufficient discriminatory power for the study system to reliably identify admixed individuals, as well as the adoption of formal surveys and analytical techniques; (2) the establishment of clear management goals and, accordingly, the choice of effective and socially acceptable adaptive management strategies, including a combination of preventive, proactive, and reactive approaches; (3) the enhancement of public awareness of AH through clear, accurate, and carefully framed communication and the fostering of stakeholder participation in management to facilitate conflict resolution; and (4) the adoption of focused monitoring to assess the effect of AH through standardized approaches to detect admixed individuals and monitor AH dynamics at the population level.
ABSTRACT Introduction The Cricetidae family (Rodentia: Mammalia) is one of the most diverse and widespread mammalian groups, exhibiting significant morphological, behavioural and ecological variation. In Mexico, it represents approximately one‐third of the mammal fauna and half of the endemic species, yet an updated assessment of its status has been lacking. Objective This study provides a current synthesis of the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of cricetid rodents in Mexico. Methods Data from scientific literature and conservation databases—including the IUCN Red List and Mexico's NOM‐059—were systematically analysed to compile an updated inventory. Results and Discussion We report 162 species and 262 subspecies in Mexico, an 11% rise in species from the previous decade, with 58% of species and 72% of subspecies endemic. Diversity follows a clear altitudinal gradient, peaking in montane regions. Conservation assessments show that 60% of evaluated species (~80% of known fauna) are globally threatened (IUCN), while Mexico's NOM‐059 lists 23% at risk and recognises two extinct species. Field studies indicate five additional species face near‐term extinction from habitat loss, exotic species and competition. Endemic taxa have lost 34%–40% of their habitat on average, with high‐elevation species being highly vulnerable to climate change. Furthermore, 45 taxa require taxonomic revision, which could significantly increase recognised species. Conclusions Therefore, the number of species is expected to rise notably while subspecies count declines. Advances in taxonomy are essential to reduce the Linnean shortfall and inform conservation.
ABSTRACT Introduction Mapping areas of climatic stability represents a critical strategy for the maintenance and conservation of biodiversity‐rich environments in the face of ongoing climate change. Neotropical primates are among the most sensitive taxa to climatic shifts. Objectives Given the significant threat posed by climate change and the high species richness in the Neotropical region, we aimed to: (1) identify climatically stable areas in the Neotropics through time (1970–2000 and 2061–2080); (2) examine the relationship between climatic stability and patterns of primate endemism and species richness; and (3) assess uncertainties associated with modelling components. Methods We built Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) for 92 species of New World primates, projecting their potential distributions under future climatic scenarios (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5). Main Results A large climatically stable area was identified in the Amazon and parts of the Andes, regions characterised by forested habitats. Discussion Areas of highest primate richness and endemism overlapped with climatically stable areas. Our results also suggest that climatic suitability uncertainty varies primarily among species, whereas climatic models contribute the least to overall uncertainty. Conclusion These findings underscore the crucial role of climatically stable environments in sustaining primate diversity patterns across the Neotropical region and highlight the importance of incorporating such areas into conservation strategies.
