LYNX
How did we get here?
The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized cat that specialises in hunting roe deer. It’s thought to have been driven to extinction in Scotland 500-700 years ago by a mix of factors, likely to include habitat loss, hunting pressure and loss of its prey base. Centuries of deforestation reduced woodland cover to 5% of Scotland at its lowest point. Since then however, the area of Scottish woodland has increased by nearly four times, while deer densities have increased to rank among the highest in Europe. Scientific research suggests that today the Scottish Highlands has enough woodland habitat and wild prey to support around 250 lynx.
Where does SBP stand?
Lynx could return to Scotland, revitalising key natural processes and boosting biodiversity – if we choose to bring them back. Their presence would also attract tourists, generating revenue and creating new job opportunities. While a lynx reintroduction may incur some costs, including the possibility of them preying on sheep, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture believes the benefits far outweigh the possible drawbacks, which is why we are actively involved in the Lynx to Scotland partnership.
Beyond ecological and economic gains, the return of this missing species would enhance the intrinsic wildness of our landscapes, deepen our connection with nature and restore pride in Scotland’s depleted natural heritage. It would signal our nation’s true commitment to restoring ecosystems, and inspire hope that the long term decline of our biodiversity can be reversed.
What is SBP doing?
Through our involvement in the Lynx to Scotland campaign, we are working to return lynx to northern Scotland through a carefully managed reintroduction. This would be the first time that a large mammalian predator has been returned to any part of the UK. It would require approval by the Scottish Government, following habitat assessments and detailed public consultation.
FAQs
Are there any lynx in Scotland today?
No. Lynx were likely hunted to extinction in Britain around the early mediaeval period. At the same time there was significant loss and fragmentation of key woodland habitat that lynx used to hunt and move through landscapes.
Could lynx survive in Scotland now?
Yes, Scotland has enough suitable habitat and prey for lynx to survive, based on extensive research. Hunting and habitat loss has depleted lynx populations across Europe over the last fifty years, but a combination of active reintroductions and natural recolonisation across borders has helped restore their numbers – from Switzerland in the 1970s, through to more recent efforts in Germany and Slovenia.
Would lynx be dangerous to people?
Lynx are generally shy and avoid people, with no records of healthy lynx attacking humans.
What are the benefits of having lynx back?
Lynx help keep herbivore populations in check, although on their own they are not a complete solution to reducing overgrazing and allowing woodlands to recover naturally. As a top predator, lynx can help kickstart natural processes by influencing species like foxes and creating a supply of carcasses that benefit birds, invertebrates and other species.
What about farmers and livestock?
Our landscapes have high densities of unprotected sheep, and lynx can prey on livestock as well as other small to medium sized hoofed wild animals, known as ungulates. Coexistence requires protective measures to limit conflict and compensate for losses.
Could lynx ever return in the future?
It’s possible. Efforts to explore the potential of reintroducing lynx to the Scottish Highlands are ongoing through the Lynx to Scotland partnership, with stakeholder and community consultations underway.
