Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827)
Abstract This study proposes new developmental stages for age classification of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), based on tooth development observed through X-rays, with a focus on juveniles. The classification defines a set of developmental markers expected as a cub grows, identifying five age cat...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00229-6 |
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| author | Israel Jesus Jimenez Rebeca García-González Montserrat Sanz Joan Daura Ignacio de Gaspar María Isabel García-Real Nuria García |
| author_facet | Israel Jesus Jimenez Rebeca García-González Montserrat Sanz Joan Daura Ignacio de Gaspar María Isabel García-Real Nuria García |
| author_sort | Israel Jesus Jimenez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This study proposes new developmental stages for age classification of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), based on tooth development observed through X-rays, with a focus on juveniles. The classification defines a set of developmental markers expected as a cub grows, identifying five age categories: neonate, two juvenile stages, subadult, and adult. As an alternative methodology, we adapted pulp cavity infilling analyses previously applied in other carnivores, estimating development stages with ordinal logistic regression equations that examine root development in the lower and upper carnassial. These methods were then applied to fossil samples to interpret the age and behaviour of past lynx populations at Terrasses de la Riera dels Canyars (TC) and Cova del Gegant (CG). The results at TC suggest a minimum of 16 individuals, with a mortality profile suggesting a living structure population. In contrast, the CG mortality profile align closely with to seasonal mortality profiles, reinforcing previous assumptions denning activity. The regression-based age estimation proved effective for both modern and fossil samples, supporting its potential use in conservation and reintroduction. Additionally, this ontogenetic approach provides comprehensive mortality profiles and insights into the behavioural history of L. pardinus. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-58633b08d05e4d34b23e72483c9a90db |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| spelling | doaj-art-58633b08d05e4d34b23e72483c9a90db2025-08-20T02:32:07ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-00229-6Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827)Israel Jesus Jimenez0Rebeca García-González1Montserrat Sanz2Joan Daura3Ignacio de Gaspar4María Isabel García-Real5Nuria García6Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridLaboratorio de Evolución Humana, Universidad de BurgosDept. d’Història i Arqueologia, Grup de Recerca del Quaternari (GRQ) -SERP, Universitat de BarcelonaDept. d’Història i Arqueologia, Grup de Recerca del Quaternari (GRQ) -SERP, Universitat de BarcelonaGrupo UCM Ecosistemas Cuaternarios, Universidad Complutense de MadridGrupo UCM Ecosistemas Cuaternarios, Universidad Complutense de MadridDepartamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de MadridAbstract This study proposes new developmental stages for age classification of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), based on tooth development observed through X-rays, with a focus on juveniles. The classification defines a set of developmental markers expected as a cub grows, identifying five age categories: neonate, two juvenile stages, subadult, and adult. As an alternative methodology, we adapted pulp cavity infilling analyses previously applied in other carnivores, estimating development stages with ordinal logistic regression equations that examine root development in the lower and upper carnassial. These methods were then applied to fossil samples to interpret the age and behaviour of past lynx populations at Terrasses de la Riera dels Canyars (TC) and Cova del Gegant (CG). The results at TC suggest a minimum of 16 individuals, with a mortality profile suggesting a living structure population. In contrast, the CG mortality profile align closely with to seasonal mortality profiles, reinforcing previous assumptions denning activity. The regression-based age estimation proved effective for both modern and fossil samples, supporting its potential use in conservation and reintroduction. Additionally, this ontogenetic approach provides comprehensive mortality profiles and insights into the behavioural history of L. pardinus.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00229-6L. pardinusPleistoceneCubsOntogeny, Den, prediction model |
| spellingShingle | Israel Jesus Jimenez Rebeca García-González Montserrat Sanz Joan Daura Ignacio de Gaspar María Isabel García-Real Nuria García Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) Scientific Reports L. pardinus Pleistocene Cubs Ontogeny, Den, prediction model |
| title | Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) |
| title_full | Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) |
| title_fullStr | Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) |
| title_short | Integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant Lynx pardinus (Temminck, 1827) |
| title_sort | integrating ontogenetic and behavioral analysis in fossil and extant lynx pardinus temminck 1827 |
| topic | L. pardinus Pleistocene Cubs Ontogeny, Den, prediction model |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00229-6 |
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