How Should We Help Wild Animals Cope with Climate Change? The Case of the Iberian Lynx

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Many animals stand to suffer from climate change and related shifts in weather conditions, for example, because their habitat is no longer suitable and the incidence and severity of natural disasters will increase. Additionally, many species face extinction. This article explores the measures that should be taken to alleviate this suffering and prevent extinction. The Iberian lynx is taken as a case study. This species faces extinction as a result of climate change, because its habitat is becoming too dry and its main food source—the rabbit—is declining. It is argued that doing nothing or bringing the Iberian lynx into captivity are not appropriate measures. Providing food and shelter or reducing other threats (such as roads) can help but will not be enough to save the species in time. Assisted migration may be the best way to save the species and ensure animal welfare. ABSTRACT: Climate change and related shifts in weather conditions result in massive biodiversity declines and severe animal suffering. This article explores the measures that can be taken to decrease animal suffering and prevent species from going extinct. Taking the Iberian lynx as a case study, we assess the extent to which it is beneficial for animal welfare and species conservation to do nothing or reduce other threats, provide food or shelter, relocate the species via assisted migration, or bring the population into captivity. We argue that, given the Iberian lynx’s non-invasive characteristics, assisted migration may be the best way to protect the species while ensuring animal welfare and protecting wildness and other ecosystem values.