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Ambitions to restore nature and reverse biodiversity decline have led to a growing interest in the potential reintroduction of missing wildlife. While the reintroduction of the brown bear and wolf are unlikely for the foreseeable future, studies suggest that parts of Britain, particularly in Scotland, might support a population of the Eurasian lynx.
Often, what dictates the success of reintroductions is not the ecological and biological viability of the land, but local people’s attitudes and tolerance towards the animals. This is particularly true in rural communities, where people’s livelihoods are often dependent on the local land and environment.
The Lynx to Scotland study is a collaborative project by the Vincent Wildlife Trust, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture and Trees for Life to begin a respectful, open conversation about lynx, and to explore the social feasibility of their reintroduction to Scotland.
The study aims to gain a better understanding of the views of people towards lynx, and to assess whether to pursue reintroduction. The study is currently focusing on the Cairngorms National Park, with a second phase this autumn and winter in Argyll. Both areas have suitable habitat and enough prey to sustain lynx as part of a larger network of connected habitat across the Highlands.
We will talk to key stakeholders about their attitudes towards lynx. These people will include landowners, farmers and crofters, foresters, hunters, gamekeepers, conservationists, environmentalists, tourism providers, and outdoor recreation and policy developers.
We will also talk to people who live in the Cairngorms and Argyll. We will share information on the study, the lynx, and the views of stakeholders, and listen to what people have to say in response. This is not a ‘yes/no’ exercise. We want to learn more about people’s perceptions of the challenges, opportunities, barriers and ideals that exist. We want to provide a road map that highlights knowledge gaps and key areas of contention and consensus.
It is not yet appropriate to seek wide-scale public opinion. At the moment, people do not know enough about the lynx to make an informed decision.
This is the beginning of a long process, which may or may not result in the development of a proposal to reintroduce lynx. The decision ultimately sits with government agencies responsible for the environment. There is a need to balance the objectives of nature restoration with the wellbeing of communities and the conservation of other species. Any proposal to reintroduce lynx needs to be underpinned by a sound assessment of social feasibility derived from a democratic process.
What we can hope to achieve in the short term is a greater shared understanding of the lynx, and of reintroductions more generally. We will explore the contextual and cultural dynamics that inform these debates. The study will try to build relationships and create a space where conversations can occur respectfully and openly. I look forward to providing an update on the study’s progress in the near future.
The Lynx to Scotland study runs from January 2021 to February 2022. It is not associated with any other previous or current initiatives to restore lynx to Britain.
Lynx to Scotland is kindly funded by the Coller Foundation, LUND, Wildland, Craignish Trust, and the Millichope Foundation.