The Missing Lynx

Moves are afoot to reintroduce the enigmatic lynx to Britain, but there are strong arguments for and against

- Joe Gibbs

IN the 200,000-year history of Man’s war on other species, the extinction of the Eurasian lynx in these islands is recent news. However, during the past 1,300 years, the closest anyone has got to lynx in the UK has been in a wildlife park or downwind of the men’s deodorant brand. now, pressure is building to bring lynx back, using stock from northern Europe where they’re plentiful.

Alongside the moral responsibility felt by some ecologists to reintroduce lost species, the main impetus to do so comes from the rewilding movement. Wild areas need an apex predator to control overpopulated deer and smaller predators, rewilders reason, to produce the sort of balanced environment that allows other native species of flora and fauna to thrive. They advocate a controlled reintroduction like the one that took place in Scotland with the Eurasian beavers. Beavers are vegetarian; lynx are most definitely not.

Although some rewilders accept that wolves and bears may be steps too far, they suggest the shy and retiring lynx, presenting no danger to humans, might be more acceptable and a draw for eco-tourists (if they’re lucky enough to spot one). However, their proposals have set the big cat among the pigeons in sheep-farming circles, where the animal is viewed as a threat.