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The Independent
23-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Warning over plan to reintroduce lynx to the UK
The reintroduction of lynx to Scotland could bring both environmental and economic benefits, but would pose a threat to sheep and other small livestock, a new report has found. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion concluded that while lynx could play a positive role in deer population control and support other species, sheep and lambs around wooded areas would be more vulnerable to predation. The nine-month discussion, involving 53 stakeholders including farmers, landowners, gamekeepers, conservationists, and tourism operators, explored the complex issue of lynx reintroduction. The report suggests a multi-faceted management system to mitigate the risks, including compensating farmers for livestock losses and promoting co-existence strategies. Relocation or lethal control of lynx are also identified as "necessary components" of any framework. While the report acknowledges lynx could impact gamebird populations locally, it's unlikely they would become a major part of the lynx diet nationally. Crucially, the study found that Scotland possesses "sufficient quantity and quality of habitat" to support a viable lynx population. The report emphasizes that lynx are not a "silver bullet" for all ecological challenges, but their presence could contribute to a more balanced ecosystem. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted that lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Times
Call to pay farmers for Highland livestock killed by rewilded lynx
Farmers whose sheep are killed by lynx should be paid for their losses as an incentive to reintroduce the wild cats back into the Scottish Highlands, a report has said. Hunting and habitat loss drove lynx to extinction in Scotland in the Middle Ages. But rewilding campaigners have pushed for them to be brought back to restore ecosystems, including helping to control Scotland's burgeoning deer population. The detailed analysis, which sets out what a lynx reintroduction project in Scotland would need to do to ensure the animals and people could coexist, was informed by more than 50 interested parties, including farmer and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators and conservationists. The National Lynx Discussion — with meetings taking place over nine months — was organised
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lynx likely to predate on sheep and lambs if reintroduced, study finds
Lynx are likely to prey on sheep and lambs if they are reintroduced in Scotland but could bring environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found that sheep and other small livestock in or near wooded areas are more vulnerable to such predation. It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found that lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. And the report said that the predators, while not a 'silver bullet', could help with deer population control and could help other species. The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted that lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Illegal release lynx moved to new permanent home at Kingussie
Three lynx that were illegally released in the Highlands earlier this year have moved to a new permanent home just a few miles from where they were wild cats were spotted in the Cairngorms National Park in early January, sparking a search before they were captured south of a period in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo, the three female lynx have now moved to an enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, which is also run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.A fourth lynx, a male, was also captured in January but died a short time later. The felines, all thought to be around one-year-old when they were released, are currently named A, B and names are the same as the first three animals the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) had in 1913 - a trio of penguins. RZSS chief executive David Field said: "The lynx were clearly habituated to humans and would most likely have died if they hadn't been rescued as they would not have been able to find food for themselves."Caring for these cats at Highland Wildlife Park will help raise awareness of this incredible species and support discussions about how to reintroduce wildlife in Scotland responsibly."All three lynx have curious personalities, they love playing together, especially with balls and other toys. We are sure they will be a big hit with everyone who comes to see them." The outside enclosure includes long grass, trees and furniture for climbing and scratching posts. There is also an area with beds they can retreat to if they need some peace and quiet. Lauren Walker, an animal keeper at the wildlife park, told BBC Radio Scotland: "The enclosure is as close to the wild you can get with it still being safe for them. "They'll be well looked after here."Police were first alerted to reports of lynx on the loose in the Drumguish area of the UK's biggest national park on 8 Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used cage-type traps baited with venison and quail - a small game bird - to capture the cats. They were caught within two Scotland has been investigating the January release. A force spokeswoman said: "Inquiries are continuing into this matter." Lynx were once a native species in Scotland, but they died out several hundred years are suspicions the Cairngorms lynx were abandoned pets, or were let go by people who want to see the animals reinstated to wooded hills and conservation group Lynx to Scotland support a formal, legal reintegration of the wild cats but they condemned the January release. 'Irresponsible' abandonment Steve Micklewright, chief executive of rewilding charity Trees for Life which is one of three charities that make up the Lynx to Scotland partnership, condemned the way the animals were said: "That abandonment was illegal and irresponsible - the lynx could've died, it was terrible."However, we believe lynx are needed in the wild."We know that UK is one of the only countries in Europe without a predator like lynx."Predators are a part of nature and create a natural balance to keep the number of other animals like deer in check, and limit the impact on other species."They are important for regeneration across our ecosystem system."Lynx to Scotland has been working with farmers, landowners, tourism operators and conservationists and plan to publish a report next week. It believes this will "provide the most detailed analysis yet of what a lynx reintroduction project in Scotland would need to do to ensure lynx and people could coexist".Earlier this year, First Minister John Swinney ruled out a legal reintroduction of lynx.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Lynx illegally abandoned in Scottish Highlands find their new home
Three lynx cubs, illegally released into the Cairngorms National Park in January, have found a new home at the nearby Highland Wildlife Park. They were rescued from freezing conditions by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). A fourth lynx, sadly, did not survive the harsh conditions after being captured. The release of the animals sparked condemnation from experts, who deemed the act "reckless" and highlighted the slim chances of survival the lynx faced in the wild. Initially taken to Edinburgh Zoo for quarantine and care, the surviving cubs were transferred to the Highland Wildlife Park on Friday. Their new environment offers a safe and appropriate setting for these wildcats to thrive. RZSS chief executive David Field said: 'We are very pleased to welcome the lynx to Highland Wildlife Park and grateful to our members and everyone who made a donation to help us care for these wonderful cats. 'The lynx were clearly habituated to humans and would most likely have died if they hadn't been rescued as they would not have been able to find food for themselves. 'Caring for these cats at Highland Wildlife Park will help raise awareness of this incredible species and support discussions about how to reintroduce wildlife in Scotland responsibly'. Visitors to the park will be able to see the lynx in their new home, with RZSS also planning educational talks and activities to help people learn more about the species and the conservation challenges they face. Mr Field went on: 'We are very proud of the response of our team, who worked with Police Scotland and other partners to safely rescue these animals in freezing overnight temperatures. 'All three lynx have curious personalities, they love playing together, especially with balls and other toys. 'We are sure they will be a big hit with everyone who comes to see them.' A prize draw has been launched, giving the public the chance to meet and name one of the lynx. To enter visit
