Reintroduction of lynx in Germany
Return of the lynx to the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve
Originally, the Eurasian lynx colonized all of the larger forest and forest steppe areas in northern and central Eurasia. In the middle of the 20th century, the spread of lynx reached its lowest level. While the animals had been exterminated in Western Europe, there were only four relict occurrences in Europe: In Scandinavia, in the Carpathians, in the Baltic States and in the Balkans. A large contiguous population only existed in Russia.
The regeneration of the forests and above all the prey population was, in addition to the end of the persecution, the prerequisite for the recovery of the lynx populations in Europe. In the meantime, the lynx population in the areas mentioned has increased again, although the Balkan population is still considered to be threatened. All other populations in Europe are due to resettlement over the past decades.
Up to the start of the project, there were two populations in Germany that can be traced back to resettlement in the Bohemian Forest / Bavarian Forest and in the Harz Mountains. In the Palatinate Forest, lynx hints have been registered again and again since the early 80s. Further reports on individual animals are known from the Eifel, their origin is unknown.
After extensive preparations, the relocation of a total of 20 lynxes from Switzerland and Slovakia to the Palatinate Forest began in 2016. By the end of 2019, 17 lynxes had already been brought to their new home. The released lynxes all receive a GPS transmitter collar to accompany their resettlement in the first few months. The wide-ranging monitor ring has made it possible to detect at least 10 young animals that were born in the new home. A further focus of the project is a broad public relations work and a continuous exchange with the interest groups in Germany and France. The lynxes that live in secret do not pose a danger to humans. Forest visitors of all ages can still move freely in the forest.
To increase the permeability of traffic infrastructure at the level of land-use planning in the Palatinate Forest, further in other low range mountains in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The close cooperation with German and French stakeholders (especially hunters, shepherds or other livestock owners) has established a self-contained, long-term acceptance of the lynx.
The nature conservation experts of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessed the plans very positively.
Office established, communications and educational programs running, preparations for catch and release ongoing.
Originally, the Eurasian lynx colonized all of the larger forest and forest steppe areas in northern and central Eurasia. In the middle of the 20th century, the spread of lynx reached its lowest level. While the animals had been exterminated in Western Europe, there were only four relict occurrences in Europe: In Scandinavia, in the Carpathians, in the Baltic States and in the Balkans. A large contiguous population only existed in Russia.
The regeneration of the forests and above all the prey population was, in addition to the end of the persecution, the prerequisite for the recovery of the lynx populations in Europe. In the meantime, the lynx population in the areas mentioned has increased again, although the Balkan population is still considered to be threatened. All other populations in Europe are due to resettlement over the past decades.
Up to the start of the project, there were two populations in Germany that can be traced back to resettlement in the Bohemian Forest / Bavarian Forest and in the Harz Mountains. In the Palatinate Forest, lynx hints have been registered again and again since the early 80s. Further reports on individual animals are known from the Eifel, their origin is unknown.
After extensive preparations, the relocation of a total of 20 lynxes from Switzerland and Slovakia to the Palatinate Forest began in 2016. By the end of 2019, 17 lynxes had already been brought to their new home. The released lynxes all receive a GPS transmitter collar to accompany their resettlement in the first few months. The wide-ranging monitor ring has made it possible to detect at least 10 young animals that were born in the new home. A further focus of the project is a broad public relations work and a continuous exchange with the interest groups in Germany and France. The lynxes that live in secret do not pose a danger to humans. Forest visitors of all ages can still move freely in the forest.
To increase the permeability of traffic infrastructure at the level of land-use planning in the Palatinate Forest, further in other low range mountains in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The close cooperation with German and French stakeholders (especially hunters, shepherds or other livestock owners) has established a self-contained, long-term acceptance of the lynx.
The nature conservation experts of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessed the plans very positively.
Office established, communications and educational programs running, preparations for catch and release ongoing.