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MISSING LYNX CAN THE CAT THAT VANISHED YEARS AGO BE RETURNED HOME? PLUS
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MISSING LYNX CAN THE SPECIES THAT VANISHED YEARS AGO BE RETURNED HOME?
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The missing lynx
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THE M SS NG LYNX We take a look at the argument for reintroducing the big cat that roamed the British woodlands as long as 1,300 years ago Words Naomi Harding
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The missing lynx
The return of the missing lynx Could reintroducing this solitary wild cat be beneficial to the British countryside? Rewilding is the name given to the attempt to return land to a more natural state. Sadly, there is not one patch of land in the UK that has not been altered in some way by humans. This is due, in part, to the idealised view many people have of our countryside and the management schemes that respond by keeping fields and woodlands neat and tidy. This has resulted in a landscape that is so far removed from what it once was that it’s no longer able to support the wildlife that should be there. Around 6,000 years ago, 75 per cent of Britain’s landscape was covered by forest. These woods were home to as many as 7,000 lynx. It’s a figure that’s almost unrecognisable today as only 13 per cent of the UK is now forested land – one third of the European average.
The primary reason for the decline in habitat has been attributed to the loss of predator species and the subsequent increase in ungulates. Heavy grazing from deer and the encroachment of sheep into woodland prevents regeneration, creating large open spaces. The health of an ecosystem is controlled from the top down. Apex predators, like the lynx, control the numbers of large herbivores and mid-level predators, which in turn relieves pressure on the smaller animals and plants further down the chain. The topic of releasing wild carnivores often causes a knee-jerk reaction. There is still much discussion to be had before trials. However, introductions in other areas of Europe suggest a rewilding programme in the UK has the potential to be successful.
The lynx could help improve our ecosystem Described as a ‘keystone species’, the lynx is an apex predator with the ability to shape its environment A keystone species is an animal that is able to influence a landscape. Without keystone species, habitats can look very different. The dramatic decline of woodland in Britain is often attributed to the lack of a large predator like the lynx.
The reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx in Europe has been a success. Population numbers were as low as 700 from 1930 to 1950 but numbers are on the rise, with populations extending across Europe, central Siberia and East Asia.
Lynx Fox There are currently an estimated 33,000 urban foxes and 225,000 rural foxes in the UK. Foxes, particularly urban ones, are becoming braver in their search for food.
Roe deer Muntjac Roe deer became extinct in The large numbers the 18th century due to over- prevent woodland coppice hunting, but reintroductions regeneration and are have seen their population driving some plant species soar to over 500,000. to extinction.
Woodland If the pressure of deer and overgrazing was relieved, Britain’s landscape would look very different to how it does now.
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Sheep Sheep are not a preferred prey of the lynx, but some argue that keeping sheep away from woodland edges would eliminate temptation.
Hare While lynx do occasionally hunt hare, their population would increase with lynx around as the fox is their main predator,
Pheasant The pheasant is again prey to the lynx and the fox, but similarly, populations would rise if the lynx was reintroduced.
“75 per cent of Britain’s landscape was covered by forest. These woods were home to as many as 7,000 lynx”
The missing lynx EURASIAN LYNX Lynx lynx
Class Mammalia
To rewild or not to rewild? There are a number of species that have been considered for rewilding programmes
Territory Europe, Asia Diet Roe deer, rodents, hares, rabbits Lifespan Up to 17 years Adult weight 8-38kg (18-84lb) Conservation status
LEAST CONCERN
Beaver The beaver disappeared in the mid- to late-18th century due to extensive hunting. A population has been successfully reintroduced to Scotland and unofficial populations are thriving elsewhere throughout the UK. Beavers help slow the flow of rivers by building dams, which in turn helps to reduce flood risk.
Boar Another victim of hunting, the boar was last recorded in Britain in 1260. Wild boar disturb the ground soil of woodlands by digging and wallowing. This lets tree seedlings penetrate through the top layer, which would otherwise be too tough. There are unofficial populations in England and Scotland.
Pine marten Pine martens are found in the Scottish Highlands but very few are found in England. The idea to introduce the small mammals to England has been gaining popularity a†er observations in Ireland showed they control invasive grey squirrel populations, which would allow the red squirrels to recolonise their former territory.
Wolf It is estimated that the wolf vanished from Britain during the 1700s due to hunting for fur and persecution by farmers. In Yellowstone National Park wolves were reintroduced and there were many cascading benefits on the ecosystem; they controlled the elk population and allowed new trees to grow, increasing songbird and beaver populations.
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The missing lynx
Reintroducing the lynx The potential benefits of returning an apex predator to the British countryside would have far-reaching environmental and economic benefits. The cats proposed for reintroduction by the Lynx UK Trust would potentially come from eastern Europe and would be heavily monitored during a five-year trial.
Expert opinion Dr Paul O’Donoghue, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Lynx UK Trust tells us why we should reintroduce the lynx. The lynx is crucial to restoring the health of forest ecosystems. Forest regeneration has effectively stopped due to overgrazing by deer, whose populations are growing out of control. Lynx will help to bring some much needed balance. [They] are also massive ecotourism draws and have the ability to drive economic regeneration in rural areas. Lynx have the power to inspire and engage people about conservation and the countryside and they will make Britain feel like a wild place again.
Environmental benefits
Woodland regeneration The introduction of lynx would keep the number of deer down, which in turn would mean new tree shoots would have a chance to grow, regenerating forests.
Natural control of foxes Research in Europe has shown that the lynx control fox populations as red foxes are on the menu. They make up six per cent of their prey.
Increase in natural wildlife Game birds such as the grouse are likely to benefit from the reduction in fox numbers. In Finland this also led to an increase in the brown hare population.
Key facts
Habitat The lynx needs large forested areas to ambush deer.
Temperament Very secretive and elusive.
Prey Medium-sized ungulates like the roe deer are the main prey of the Eurasian lynx, making up 69 per cent of their diet.
Decline of deer
Understanding the knock-on impact of deer populations in the UK if the lynx was reintroduced
Savings to forestry management Less time and money spent managing deer damage means forestry operations can focus on other areas.
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Fewer road accidents The cost to vehicles is estimated to be around £17m via direct collisions and swerving to avoid deer. The lynx’s primary prey, roe deer, account for 32 per cent of accidents.
74,000 Road accidents Figures show that 74,000 road accidents a year in Britain are caused by deer collisions or nearmisses.
£4.5
million
Fewer damaged crops This is the estimated cost of damage that’s caused by deer to crops and commercial woodland.
Increase in woodland birds Woodland birds decline by up to 50 per cent in woodland where deer are present as they eliminate shrub layers.
Current range They are found in parts of western Europe, Russia and Asia
Human health Vaccinations Lynx to be reintroduced will have undergone an antirabies campaign and passed through quarantine.
Recreation and tourism
Potential tourism revenues It is thought the lynx would attract visitors to the reintroduction sites.
Building a visitor centre A centre would create new jobs and raise revenue through entry fees.
Public opinion According to a public survey carried out by Lynx UK Trust:
Of respondents said they would visit lynx tourist facilities.
Š FLPA; Thinkstock
Of respondents would support a reintroduction trial programme in the UK.
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