A comprehensive survey on the **mobility of the Iberian lynx and other wild species** in the surroundings of the **Duero River** is being carried out as part of the European project **OET Durius**. The main purpose is to create a **Transboundary Ecological Observatory** that enhances the knowledge and protection of riparian ecosystems.
The initiative, framed within the **Interreg VA Spain-Portugal Program (POCTEP) 2021-2027**, analyzes the **wildlife movement corridors** in the Spanish provinces of Salamanca, Valladolid, and Zamora, as well as in the Portuguese regions of Do Douro and Das Terras de Trás-os-Montes.
Led by the **University of Salamanca**, the **Santa María la Real Foundation**, and the Portuguese organization **Palombar**, the study has already assessed the connectivity patterns of nine medium and large mammal species: **Iberian lynx, wildcat, otter, genet, badger, brown bear, wolf, roe deer, and wild boar**. At least **11 additional species** will be included in the analysis in the coming months to broaden the study.
## Preliminary Results and Actions to Restore Critical Iberian Lynx Corridors
Based on the initial work -originating from a **master’s thesis**- two key variables were studied: **core areas** (optimal presence zones) and **resistance matrix**, which identifies natural and human obstacles for animal movement, such as soil type and slope.
With this data, **ecological connectivity maps** were generated, identifying theoretical routes for each species and detecting **shared high-value environmental areas**.
The study highlights that smaller species like **lynx, wildcat, otter, or badger** have **denser networks of corridors**, favoring **interconnection between populations**. In the case of the **otter**, its close connection to watercourses and its smaller range of movement explain a particularly **compact network** linked to river systems.
According to researchers from the **University of Salamanca**, eight of the nine species analyzed present **bottlenecks or critical areas**, which should be prioritized in future **ecological restoration tasks**.
The most connected areas are concentrated in the **western part of the studied area**, especially in mountain systems like **La Cabrera, Sanabria, La Culebra, Montesinho, and Arribes del Duero**, as well as along the banks of the rivers **Yeltes, Águeda, and southwest Salamanca tributaries**.
In contrast, the **eastern territory**, more **agricultural and urbanized**, shows a **greater habitat fragmentation**, with corridors concentrated in **riverbanks and scattered forest areas**.
## Digital Platform and Small Interventions to Restore the Landscape
OET Durius contemplates the implementation of an **interactive digital viewer**, which will integrate the collected data to facilitate the **consultation and real-time updating of environmental information**.
The goal is to assess whether the **ecological connectivity conditions** in the Duero basin allow the **natural movement of species**, or if they are **interrupted by human infrastructures** such as roads and urban developments.
The project also includes **local renaturalization interventions**, aimed at restoring elements that benefit both **biodiversity and cultural landscapes**: **stone walls, wetlands, springs, watering troughs, groves, grasslands, and pollinator shelters**.
With a total budget of **€1,573,013**, 75% funded by the POCTEP program, the working group includes **AIMRD, the Efficient Habitat Cluster AEICE, and the Zamora City Council** from Spain; and the Portuguese communities **CIM Douro and CIM Trás-os-Montes**, consolidating a territorial alliance for **shared ecological management**.
*Cover photo: Cadena Ser*
