Experts to discuss the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx to Scotland

A discussion will take place later this week on the pros and cons that the reintroduction of lynx would bring to the strath and wider Scotland.

One of the main candidate areas for any such reintroduction would be the Cairngorms.

The webinar is called "Living with lynx: what's the big deal?' and is being hosted in Kincraig.

The Eurasian lynx went extinct in the British isles around 1,300 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss.

There have been several studies to evaluate the ecological feasibility of returning the species to Scotland but until recently people’s beliefs and perceptions had not been fully assessed.

Throughout last year, the Lynx to Scotland partners carried out a comprehensive study to accurately evaluate the social feasibility of bringing back the species which is bound to cause some controversy.

The study revealed wide-ranging perspectives from stakeholders including farmers, gamekeepers, foresters, conservationists, landowners, tourism operators and rural communities.

The study showed that views about lynx reintroduction are far more diverse, nuanced and complex than a simple ‘for’ and ‘against’.

Five different broad perspectives were identified from those who considered Scotland ready for lynx to those who are firmly opposed, while other contributors were either not yet convinced or felt that Scotland was not yet ready.

Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, told the Strathy ahead of the webinar: "Research shows that the Cairngorms, with its expanding woodland networks, would provide suitable habitat for lynx.

"However, while several polls show that the majority of Scots support the return of missing species such as lynx, there are understandable concerns which need careful consideration before any reintroduction takes place."

The discussion's host will be held in Kincraig Community Hall on Wednesday with the panel comprising Matt Cross, Patrick Laurie and James Nairne.

Part of the debate will discuss a new term 'transformational species' proposed to describe animals like the lynx.

A SBP spokesman said: "Their transformative power lies not only in their functional ecological impacts but also in their capacity to embody wildness, transforming how it feels to walk in the woods and enriching our lives."

Organisers are keen to stress that it is not a public 'in person' event. It is an online webinar with host Hugh Webster broadcasting from Kincraig Community Hall but there is no audience and the other speakers are all remote.

People can watch the debate this Wednesday from 7pm by registering prior at https://www.scotlandbigpicture.com/event-registration/web-living-with-lynx/114

A recording of the event will also be provided afterwards.

The panel:

• Matt Cross (@wildforest_matt): Journalist, blogger and rural commentator, with an interest in field sports and environmental restoration

• Patrick Laurie (@gallowaygrouse): Farmer, conservationist and author, with a special interest in Galloway cattle and curlews

•James Nairne (@james_nairner): Northwoods Rewilding Network Project Lead, with diverse experience in wild landscapes around Europe

•Host: Hugh Webster (Digital Communications Officer, SBP) .

Related articles:

'Sufficient support' for further investigation of lynx reintroduction

Lynx and beaver reintroductions should be part of any Green deal

Could Common Crane be making its way north?

Is Scotland ready for the lynx?

Across mainland Europe, the Eurasian lynx is staging a comeback.

The SBP has said freed from the pressures of unsustainable hunting and benefiting from a softening of public attitudes, the lynx has been successfully reintroduced into several countries and is now gaining in number and expanding its range.

A SBP spokesman said: "The Lynx to Scotland study showed a consensus for the establishment of a cross-sector consultation to further explore the benefits and barriers to lynx reintroduction; to build trust between stakeholders and to address areas of disagreement over science and local knowledge.

"This process will take place during the rest of this year and 2023.

"The study also revealed significant knowledge gaps about lynx behaviour and the Lynx to Scotland partners are working to fully inform people’s perceptions around living alongside lynx.

"In parallel with this work, partners are undertaking the necessary ecological and practical assessments that would be needed to enable a reintroduction of lynx."

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