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Molecular tools for wild cats conservation
Chemical communication is one of the most ancient and widespread forms of communication in the animal kingdom, playing a fundamental role in species evolution by linking physiological processes with behavioural responses. In mammals, chemical communication relies on olfactory cues released into the environment through a variety of scent-marking strategies. These chemical signals convey information about the signaller’s identity, sex, age, health, and reproductive status, among other traits. By detecting and interpreting these cues, receivers can adjust their physiology and behaviour, while developing learned associations that enable them to recognise territories, social groups, individuals, and kinship.
Understanding chemical communication in wildlife has important implications for biodiversity conservation, particularly for endangered species. Investigating the production, transmission, and perception of chemical signals can provide valuable insights into species ecology and social dynamics, inform conservation and management strategies, help mitigate human–wildlife conflicts, and contribute to improving reproductive success.
Grants
Creating a genetically and demographically functional Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) metapopulation (LIFE Lynxconnect; 19NAT/ES001055). (2023-2026). Funded by the European Union LIFE programme. 236.292,00 €. PI (regional coordinator): Guadalupe Gómez Baena
Publications
ICHIZAWA, S.; CASPERS, J.; UENOYAMA, R.; ITO, Y.; MIYAZAKI, T.; MORISASA, M.; GOTO-INOUE, N.; SUZUKI, Y.; NAKANISHI, N.; ENDO, Y.; IZAWA, M.; YAMASHITA, T.; ORTIZ-GUISADO, B.; ESPINOSA-LÓPEZ, E.M.; GÓMEZ-BAENA, G.; SCHULZ, S.; MIYAZAKI, M. (2026) Signatures of branched-chain fatty acids derived from kidney reservoir confer stable chemical individuality on domestic cats. Current Biology 36, 1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.07.045
ORTIZ-GUISADO, B., ESPINOSA-LÓPEZ, E.M., PONTE-GONZÁLEZ, M., GÓMEZ-MARÍN, M., RODERO-SERRANO, E., MOLINA-LÓPEZ, A.M., GUERRERO-CASADO, J.M., GÓMEZ-BAENA, G. (2026) Exploring the molecular basis of chemical communication in the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). In: Chemical signals in vertebrates, vol 16. Ed: Lisa M. Schulte. Springer Nature. ISBN: 978-3-032-30752-1.
MOLINA-LÓPEZ, A.M., PASCIU, V., BARALLA, E., GÓMEZ-BAENA, G. (2025) Editorial: Advances in methods of biochemical assessment and diagnosis of animal welfare in wildlife Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 12: 1602735. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1602735
Master´s degree projects
Assessment of attractans and repellents on the behaviour of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus): implications in conservation. María Ponte. Master´s Degree in Environmental Management and Biodiversity. 2025/26.
Molecular basis of territorial marking in the Iberian Lynx, Mar Gómez Marín. Master´s Degree in Biotechnology. 2024/25.
Optimization of collection technique of facial marks from the Iberian lynx, Cristina Mazarro. Master´s Degree in Bioeconomy and Circular Economy. 2024/25.
Characterization of the salivary proteome of the Iberian Lynx. Luis López. Master´s Degree in Bioeconomy and Circular Economy. 2023/24.
Bachelor´s degree projects
Quantification of cortisol in feaces as marker for stress in the Iberian Lynx, Natalia de Diego. Veterinary degree. 2025/26.
Molecular basis of mate choice in the Iberian lynx, Lola Sánchez. Veterinary Degree. 2025/26.
Quantification of cortisol in feaces as marker for stress in the Iberian Lynx, Sara Santiago. Veterinary Degree. 2024/25.
Sexual communication in the Iberian lynx, María Sánchez Leal del Ojo. Veterinary Degree. 2024/25.
Characterization of the salivary proteome in the domestic cat. Rafael Jiménez. Veterinary degree. 2023/24.
Individual chemical signature in the Sumatran tiger. Carlos Montero. Veterinary Degree. 2023/24.
Molecular basis of the territorial marking in the Iberian lynx. Paloma Molina. Veterinary Degree. 2023/24.
Sexual comunication in the Iberian lynx. Carmen Ruiz. Veterinary Degree. 2023/24.
Identification of cauxin in the Serval Cat (Leptailurus serval). Alejandra Maestro. Veterinary Degree. 2023/24.
Identification of felinine in the urine of big cats. Ana Mero de la Barreda. Veterinary Degree. 2022/23.
Chemical markers involved in the success of adoptions in the Iberian lynx. Andrea López. Veterinary Degree. 2022/23.
Chemical markers of male mating success in the Iberian lynx. Marta Benítez. 2022/23.
Role of the enzyme cauxin in the sexual communication of the Iberian lynx. Javier Alijo. 2022/23.
Identification of cauxin in the urine of big cats. Ángel Gómez. Veterinary Degree. 2021/22.
Characterization of the chemical markers in the body surface of Iberian lynx cubs as a tool to suppor the conservation of the species. Rocío Padial Vera. Veterinary Degree. 2020/21.
Pilot study for the development of a pregnancy test in Sumatran tigers. Sofía Marín Reyes. Veterinary Degree. 2020/21.
Molecular basis of territorial marking in the Iberian lynx. David Sánchez Martel. Veterinary Degree. 2019/20.
Cloning of genes encoding for the three more abundant proteases in the urine of the Iberian lynx. Noelia Ruiz. Veterinary Degree. 2019/20.
Identification and quantification of felinine in the urine of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Elisa María Espinosa López. Biochemistry Degree. 2018/19.
Characterization of cauxin activity in the urine of the Iberian lynx. Olga Arjona. Biochemistry Degree. 2018/19.
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