Preventing Eurasian lynx extinction in Julian Alps (collaboration in LIFE Lynx project)

Before the start of the project, the population of lynx in Slovenia was small, isolated, and extremely inbred. The lynx was not present in the Triglav National Park before the project started in 2017. The lynx population urgently needed reinforcement by introducing additional, healthy animals from another population. The Dinaric-SE Alpine population was reinforced with lynx from a viable source population in the Carpathians with high public support.

There was a need to tackle the possible lynx extinction by reintroduction of lynx from other viable populations in Europe and so to improve population connectivity through increasing the chances of natural gene flow. This was done by creating a “stepping stone” population to generate a new population nucleus further west of the current Dinaric population, thus bringing the SE-Alpine nucleus closer. Reintroduction is possible only through a stakeholder-supported process to foster broad public acceptance.

The solution was to translocate 5 animals from Carpathian mountains (Romania and Slovakia) to Julian Alps and to take part in wide stakeholder-supported process were all interested stakeholders were involved to reach wide public acceptance.

Taking part in the LIFE Lynx project included building the release enclosure, taking care of translocated lynx, monitoring released animals (GPS, phototraps, genetics, etc.). A the same time, all important stakeholders were identified and work closely conducted with them (meetings, presentations, field trips, involvement in monitoring).

The lead partner of the project was Slovenia Forest Service, where the National Park Management played an important role in connecting the local stakeholders (farmers, schools, local hunters, nature enthusiasts, forest owners, etc) with the project lead partner. A strong partner was also the Hunters Association of Slovenia.

Since the release of 5 adult animals in 2021, there are 6 confirmed litters and 4 lynx from those litters have GPS collars. There is a growing local lynx population and good possibilities to connect Dinaric population with the Alpine lynx population and as such a stepping stone population is established. A wide public acceptance was reached from all stakeholders, including farmers. There has been practically no damage to the sheep or other domestic animals since the release of the lynx in the Alps.

At the beginning, there was low acceptance of lynx reintroduction from hunters and farmers which was mainly due to current wolf problems in the area. However, through an honest communication and involvement process the acceptance of the lynx began to grow. Even the local hunting organisation took part in the project through monitoring. Thus, the main condition of high local acceptance for long-term presence of large carnivores was reached.

Open and honest communication with all stakeholders was the key to reaching public acceptance from the groups that were first against large carnivores.
Involvement and sharing of information between all interested stakeholders will build a trust and so build a high social acceptance for large carnivores ensuring them a better future.