Return of predator has 'missing lynx'

THE strath has been shortlisted as one of three potential areas for the potential reintroduction of Eurasian lynx but confusion reigns over just where the trial is planned.

The Lynx UK Trust announced details on Thursday of public consultations and a roadshow naming the "Glenfeshie region" as one of three possible Scottish locations in their sights.

But Glenfeshie Estate – the main landowner – said they were unaware of the proposals and wanted no part in them.

When quizzed if they were a partner in the controversial project, a spokesman said: "Absolutely not. We are not involved and wouldn't be, with someone who doesn't even have the courtesy to consult you before putting out press statements. Maybe they are referring to Forestry Commission land?"

However, the commission was just as bemused by the announcement.

A spokesman said: "The Scottish Government has been very clear that there are no plans to reintroduce lynx or any other large carnivores into Scotland.

"That includes on the National Forest Estate. We are not working with any groups exploring the possibility of re-introducing lynx and have no plans to do so."

Thomas MacDonell, conservation and forestry director of Wildland Ltd which includes Glenfeshie in its land holdings, said they had not had contact from the Lynx UK Trust in many years. He said: "I think we last spoke with the trust's Dr Paul O'Donoghue something like eight years ago but have heard nothing from him since.

"We've nothing in principle against the reintroduction of species at the right time, in the right place, but any such programme would have to come about only after years of rigorous consultation including all the appropriate authorities."

The Lynx UK Trust has said independent scientific research found Scotland's forests could sustain around 400 of the big cats.

Mr O'Donoghue, the trust's chief scientific advisor, said: "I would not expect Glenfeshie and the FCS to have any knowledge of our plans as they haven't been consulted yet but, of course, they will be in due course."

The trust has outlined the "vast potential for lynx to bring eco-tourism to remote rural communities" based on case studies of lynx reintroductions in Germany. It said no lynx attack on a human has ever been recorded anywhere and numerous independent studies make clear that sheep are an exceptionally rare target for them, even when the two live side by side.

Mr O'Donoghue said: "I hope we can have a much improved consultation with farmers living and working in these areas to fully explain the threats in a factual manner, alongside a clear explanation of the benefits.

"We will be offering local farmers a range of support with predator mitigation techniques, and providing full insurance against lynx predation."

The two other areas identified are the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park region 30 miles north of Glasgow and the Kintyre Peninsula. There will be drop-in sessions at Kincraig Community Hall on Thursday, March 7 from 2pm to 4pm. The trust intends to lodge a multiple site application to Scottish Natural Heritage to carry out a trial reintroduction.

Related articles:
Could the Highlands see the lynx return?
Lynx effect could be tipping point for sheep farmers
Lynx campaign reaches Boat of Garten

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