Lynx reintroduction in Scotland: public views sought

A rewilding partnership is consulting the public on proposals to reintroduce lynx to northern Scotland; the Scottish government says it does not intend to reintroduce lynx or other large carnivores in the foreseeable future.

Members of the public are being invited to give views on a proposal to reintroduce lynx to northern Scotland. The Lynx to Scotland partnership — a group of rewilding charities including Scotland: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and The Lifescape Project — has been assessing how a reintroduction could work since 2020. The partnership says northern Scotland has suitable woodland and wild prey and proposes a gradual release starting with about 20 cats. The Scottish government has said it does not intend to reintroduce lynx or other large carnivores in the foreseeable future. Key points: - The partnership estimates the region could support up to 250 lynx and proposes releasing roughly 20 animals gradually over several years. - Monitoring would use tracking collars and camera traps to record impacts such as sheep predation and changes in biodiversity and tourism. - Some farmers have expressed concern that lynx can prey on livestock, particularly sheep. - Around 89,000 households across 37 postcodes will receive mail about the proposals, and 42 public engagement sessions will take place in the Highlands and Moray starting on 26 January, with further meetings planned in the spring. - Any formal reintroduction would require a licence from NatureScot before proceeding. - The consultation follows an illegal release of four lynx into Cairngorms National Park the previous year; one animal died and three are currently being cared for at Highland Wildlife Park. Summary: Reintroducing lynx is presented by the partnership as a way to influence deer numbers, biodiversity and local tourism, while farmers and rural communities have raised concerns about livestock predation. The consultation programme is designed to gather public and stakeholder views through mailings and a series of local sessions beginning on 26 January. Any formal move would require NatureScot approval, and the Scottish government has stated it does not intend to reintroduce lynx or other large carnivores in the foreseeable future.