MSPs hear the case for bringing lynx back to Scotland
But farmers are worried that they'd be a threat to livestock
Last updated 25th Apr 2023
MSPs are listening to the case for reintroducing lynx in Scotland.
A reception is being held at Holyrood today organised by rewilding charities and sponsored by Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
Organisers say it reflects growing public support for the return of the Eurasian lynx – a native species missing from Scotland since being made extinct through hunting and habitat loss more than 500 years ago.
MSPs, senior advisors and rural groups are expected to attend the event, hosted by Lynx to Scotland project partners SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and The Lifescape Project.
“It’s good news that politicians and policy makers are now seriously discussing the return of lynx, which would have strong public support. Scotland is one of the poorest places on Earth for nature, and if we are serious about tackling the nature and climate emergencies, these conversations really matter,” said Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.
The potential for reintroducing lynx was debated in the Scottish Parliament last week, after a parliamentary motion by the SNP’s Kenneth Gibson received cross-party support.
According to Lynx to Scotland, the Highlands has sufficient habitat to support around 400 wild lynx and it is claimed they could help reduce the impacts of deer browsing on woodland, boost biodiversity and restore natural processes, while also providing fresh economic opportunities for local communities.
The group says it could prove a valuable draw for tourists, and insists the cats are no risk to the public. They have already been successfully reintroduced to European countries such as Germany, France and Switzerland.
But there has been deep concern from farmers about the animals preying on livestock.
NFU Scotland claims more than 4,000 sheep were killed by lynx in Norway in 2016 alone, and 1,000 hill farmers have given up keeping sheep altogether because of the losses.
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