SNH position on possible applications to reintroduce lynx

Andrew Bachell, SNH’s Director of Policy & Advice, said:

“The Eurasian lynx has been extinct from the UK for about 1300 years and releasing them into the wild in Scotland is unlawful without a licence from SNH. We know, on the basis of experience, that reintroduction projects are complex and need considerable planning to ensure national and international guidelines are met. Scotland’s National Species Reintroduction Forum is a world leader in how reintroductions are determined and has produced the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations specifically designed to guide project development. We‘ve already had a number of highly successful national reintroductions in Scotland, including sea eagles and red kites, as well as more local reintroductions such as the scarce woolly willow. There is also an ongoing trial reintroduction of Eurasian beaver.”

“If we received an application to reintroduce lynx, we would be looking for the applicant to provide information on how the project would address ecological issues such as habitat availability, as well as the views of the public, livestock and land managers, the wider UK perspective, and any socio-economic impacts. The views of the Scottish Government would need to be taken into consideration. A significant amount of evidence is required to support an application.

“The Lynx Trust have requested a meeting with SNH to discuss how these conditions might be met.”