Missing lynx: Could a native bobtail cat make a comeback in Scotland after 1,300 years?

Hopes of seeing an iconic bob-tailed cat roaming the wilds of Scotland for the first time in hundreds of years are to be discussed in the Scottish Parliament today for the first time.

A reception is being held at Holyrood to present the case for bringing back the Eurasian lynx, a medium-sized cat distinguished by its tufted ears, spotted coat and stumpy tail.

The species was native to Scotland and the UK, but has been missing since it was wiped out through hunting and habitat loss around 1,300 years ago.

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Conservationists say reintroducing the predators could help restore nature and benefit communities by keeping down numbers of destructive deer and there is “strong public support” for such a move.

But the proposal has also sparked controversy, with some fearing the medium-sized cats could kill sheep, lambs and other livestock or even attack humans.

Now politicians, wildlife experts, rural groups, scientists, landowners and school children will be among those attending a special event which will delve into the pros and cons of reintroducing the apex predator, including insights from a year-long consultation on the proposal.

Dr David Hetherington, nature networks manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority and author of The Lynx and Us, will argue that predators play a vital ecological role in maintaining healthy living systems and the presence of the cats, a ‘keystone species’, could have a positive influence on the behaviour, abundance and distribution of many other species.

He will highlight how lynx have successfully returned to European countries such as Germany, France and Switzerland.

The Eurasian lynx was native to Scotland but has been missing since it was wiped out through hunting and habitat loss around 1,300 years ago. Picture: Peter Cairns/scotlandbigpicture.comThe Eurasian lynx was native to Scotland but has been missing since it was wiped out through hunting and habitat loss around 1,300 years ago. Picture: Peter Cairns/scotlandbigpicture.com
The Eurasian lynx was native to Scotland but has been missing since it was wiped out through hunting and habitat loss around 1,300 years ago. Picture: Peter Cairns/scotlandbigpicture.com

The presentation has been organised by rewilding charities Scotland: The Big Picture, Trees for Life and The Lifescape Project – partners in the Lynx to Scotland initiative – and is sponsored by Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands.

“It’s good news that politicians and policy makers are now seriously discussing the return of lynx, which would have strong public support,” said Peter Cairns, a wildlife photographer and executive director of Scotland: The Big Picture.

“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.”

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Adam Eagle, chief executive of The Lifescape Project, said: “Scotland has suitable habitat for lynx to prosper here.

An event presenting the pros and cons of reintroducing the lynx, an apex predator, to Scotland is being held at Holyrood. Picture: Mark Hamblin/scotlandbigpicture.comAn event presenting the pros and cons of reintroducing the lynx, an apex predator, to Scotland is being held at Holyrood. Picture: Mark Hamblin/scotlandbigpicture.com
An event presenting the pros and cons of reintroducing the lynx, an apex predator, to Scotland is being held at Holyrood. Picture: Mark Hamblin/scotlandbigpicture.com

“The return of this magnificent creature is about choices, and our willingness to live alongside other species.”

Populations of wild Eurasian lynx still exist in the forests of western Europe, Russia and central Asia.

With dimensions similar to a labrador dog, the cats are Europe’s third-largest predator – after brown bears and wolves.

They are strict carnivores, feeding mostly on hoofed mammals such as deer but will also eat smaller prey like hares, foxes and rabbits at times when food is scarce.

Farmers and crofters have concerns they would also target ‘easy’ prey like lambs.

Research suggests the Highlands has sufficient habitat to support around 400 wild lynx.

Reintroducing the species could help reduce impacts of deer grazing on woodlands, boost biodiversity and restore natural processes, according to the Lynx to Scotland team, while also providing economic opportunities for local communities through green tourism and other initiatives.

The rewilding charities stress that any lynx reintroduction should properly consider all relevant stakeholder interests and legitimate concerns, including through full consultations.

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