Scotland’s Lynx to Scotland project, a partnership between three charities, is working towards restoring the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands. The project recently welcomed the humane capture of two illegally released lynx in the Cairngorms National Park.
Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, one of the charities involved, expressed his satisfaction with the news, stating, “It’s excellent news that experts from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) were able to humanely trap the lynx so rapidly, and that the lynx are safe.” Cairns also stressed the importance of responsible and legal reintroduction efforts, as illegal releases are counter-productive.
The native lynx species was hunted to extinction in Scotland over 500 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss. As a keystone species, lynx play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and their absence negatively impacts biodiversity.
Lynx are known to be shy and elusive woodland hunters and pose no danger to humans. They have successfully returned to other European countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland. Research suggests that the Highlands have the suitable habitat to support around 400 lynx sustainably.
Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life, another partner in the Lynx to Scotland project, emphasized the importance of a carefully planned reintroduction that takes into account the views of farmers and other stakeholders. “Scotland is one of a handful of European countries still lacking a large terrestrial mammal predator. If we are serious about tackling the nature and climate emergencies, we need lynx back,” he said. Any reintroduction would require approval from the Scottish Government, as well as habitat assessments and public consultation.
Scotland currently has more woodland deer than any other European country, and the absence of predators like lynx has led to overgrazing and diminished forests. By preying on roe deer and invasive sika deer, lynx could help reduce browsing pressure on regenerating woodlands, ultimately expanding and enriching the country’s forests.
In addition to their ecological impact, lynx would also serve as high-profile ambassadors for nature recovery, attracting valuable tourism revenue for rural communities.
Discussions are currently ongoing among a cross-sector of stakeholders regarding the possibility of a managed and fully resourced legal reintroduction of lynx. There is growing public and political support for such efforts, with polls showing widespread backing. In April 2023, the Scottish Parliament discussed lynx reintroduction for the first time.
The Lynx to Scotland partners, which include SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life, and The Lifescape Project, are committed to bringing back the lynx to the Scottish Highlands. For more information on the project, visit www.scotlandbigpicture.com/lynx-to-scotland.
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