LONDON — Environmental activists in Scotland are advocating for the reintroduction of the lynx into the Highland forests, but recent developments have raised alarms over how it might be accomplished. On Wednesday, sightings of at least two lynx, a medium-sized wildcat that has been absent from Scotland for centuries, stirred concerns that a private breeder may have released these predators into the wild unlawfully.
Authorities captured two lynx on Thursday and launched an ongoing search after reports of two additional lynx spotted near Killiehuntly in Cairngorms National Park. Wildlife officials have begun setting traps in the area to safely capture the elusive cats and transport them to the Edinburgh Zoo, where the two already captured are currently undergoing quarantine. David Field, the chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, confirmed these developments.
This incident underscores the ongoing campaign by certain activists who aim to reintroduce lynx to assist in controlling the deer population while promoting biodiversity in Scotland. The identities of those responsible for the illegal release remain unknown, but wildlife specialists suspect the motivations could either stem from impatience regarding the government’s slow approval process or, conversely, an attempt by opponents to undermine the reintroduction efforts.
“There’s a historical precedent in Scotland for unauthorized releases,” opined Darragh Hare, a research fellow at the University of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, mentioning past instances involving beavers and pine martens. He emphasized the necessity of a proper reintroduction process that accommodates all stakeholders, noting, “If there’s going to be any lynx introduction into Scotland or elsewhere, it’s paramount to ensure it’s executed correctly, even if it requires more time.”
The lynx went extinct in Scotland between 500 and 1,300 years ago, likely due to hunting and the loss of their forest habitats. Since at least 2021, initiatives to reintroduce the lynx have been active, with a group named Lynx to Scotland researching public opinions on the proposal. This organization continues to seek government approval for a planned trial reintroduction in a designated area with a limited number of lynx.
Described as “shy and elusive woodland hunters,” lynx are deemed harmless to humans, and their successful reintroduction in various European countries, including Germany, France, and Switzerland, adds to the advocacy for their return. Following the illegal release incident, supporters of the reintroduction voiced their disapproval, stating that such reckless actions hinder the work being done toward a careful reintroduction process. “The Lynx to Scotland Project is striving for the return of lynx to the Scottish Highlands, but irresponsible and illegal releases like this are completely counterproductive,” stated Peter Cairns, executive director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, an organization involved in rewilding efforts.
The broader implications of reintroducing lynx were showcased during a Scottish Parliament debate in 2023. Proponents highlighted the potential benefits of lynx in reducing the overpopulated deer that harm Scotland’s forests. However, opponents expressed concerns about the risks posed to sheep and ground-nesting birds. Edward Mountain, a lawmaker representing the Highlands from the opposition Conservative Party, voiced his reservations: “Lynx have been absent from this country for 500 years, and now is just not the time to bring them back.”
