Theriologia Ukrainica (Dec 2022)
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Ukrainian Polissia: a biogeographical analysis
Abstract
New and previous data on patterns of the geographical distribution of the Eurasian lynx in the Ukrainian part of Polissia is summarised with attention to the estimates of distribution limits of the species. Inventory data for five groups of locations—Volyn–Rivne group, Zhytomyr Polissia, Chornobyl zone, Dniprо–Desna interfluve (Mizhrichia), and Chernihiv Polissia—are given, respectively 15, 25, 14, 12, and 13 records (80 in total). Important information, which does not contain accurate inventory data though characterises the distribution of the species, primarily in relation to the west of Polissia and the Chornobyl zone, for which there are many new publications, is also commented. The growth of the Polissian lynx population is naturally accompanied by the expansion of its distribution limits and, in fact, the restoration of the former Polissian range of the species in general. This process, however, significantly limits poaching—both because of the undesirability of living with a predator (i.e. persecution) and because of hunting (i.e. trophy hunting). A high rate of lynx deaths is shown, and in some regions a significant proportion of records (in particular, in the left-bank Polissia and throughout the southern distribution of the species in the region) are based on reports of animals caught by hunters (9 records). Taking into account the range of the species in the Polissia and the specifics of its current configuration, the article considers the importance of modern biogeographical coordinates in the distribution of the species, compares these boundaries with the previously established boundaries of the Polissia subprovince, and shows the growing significance of coordinates of anthropogenic origin, in particular large highways. In particular, the range limit of the species in the central part of the Polissia is determined by the highway M07, whereas in eastern Polissia by the M01+M02 routes, which generally outlines the Desna River. In all cases, we can talk about the process of restoration of the Polissian range of the lynx, but essentially all attempts of the species to ‘do so’ end in the death of colonist individuals. Practically being the last ‘indicative’ mammal species of the Polissia, the lynx has now actually lost this role and is unable to restore its former range; therefore, the current limits of its distribution are not natural.
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