The Eurasian lynx once had a huge range, roaming across forests from Western Europe to central Asia. But because of habitat loss, over-hunting, and persecution, it almost disappeared from much of Europe - and was completely wiped out in the UK. Over the past few decades, the lynx has slowly been coming back to mainland Europe. Woodland expansion has enabled natural recolonisation of some areas, and there have been more than 15 reintroduction projects. However, the UK remains a key area from which it is missing.
Reintroduction to Scotland is something that has been talked about for years. Many people believe we have a moral duty to restore species whose demise we have brought about. As one of the most nature-depleted nations on earth, surely the lynx is just one of many species whose restoration we should be considering. However, carnivores can evoke strong emotions and viewpoints. Conservationists point to the lynx’s virtues as a predator of deer to reduce numbers and aid forest regeneration. While farmers and other landowners are, understandably, concerned about the potential impact of a top predator on their livelihoods.
In 2021, we started a project to find out whether reintroducing lynx to Scotland is a realistic possibility. In collaboration with the Vincent Wildlife Trust and Scotland: The Big Picture, we carried out a study to gather the opinions of rural communities, farmers, conservationists, gamekeepers, foresters, tourism operators and other stakeholders. A wide range of viewpoints emerged, showing that opinions are far more complex than simply ‘for’ or ‘against’. The study also revealed some key gaps in knowledge around the likely impact of lynx on existing land management and on other wildlife.
We are now in the next phase of the project, which has three main aims. The first is to carry out research to address these gaps in knowledge – primarily around the suitability of Scottish habitat, the likely impact of lynx on deer numbers, and on possible interactions with species such as the Scottish wildcat and capercaillie. Secondly, we plan to work further with stakeholders to see whether concerns such as the possibility of livestock predation can be overcome. We have established a cross-sectoral working group that will, through a fully-inclusive process, work to address key barriers and further explore the potential benefits.
Finally, we are working on the actual practicalities of a lynx reintroduction. There is a huge amount to consider. Where would the lynx come from? Would we use wild or captive individuals and how many would we need? Where would be the best place to release them and how would we monitor them afterwards? These questions, alongside mitigation and management of potential conflict, are all things that need careful consideration.
We believe that a lynx reintroduction could bring a wide range of ecological and social benefits. But it is important that those who are not so sure are given the chance to express their views and to be a part of any reintroduction process. By the end of this ground-breaking project we will know whether Lynx to Scotland is actually feasible – practically, socially and politically. We’re delighted to be leading the way to see whether this shy and elusive predator could once again roam the Scottish woodlands from which it has been missing for a very long time.
Lynx to Scotland is a collaborative project led by Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project. It is funded by the Fred Foundation, Orp Foundation and Sigrid Rausing Trust.
