Eurasian lynx

How it shapes the landscape

Top predators, such as wolf and lynx, are an important part of our ecosystems. They change the behaviour of prey species through the so-called ecology of fear. Through faeces, urine or scrapes, lynx leave scent marks that advertise their presence. This keeps animals on the move, which helps to prevent overgrazing and allows tree saplings and other vegetation to establish. 

Lynx also prey directly on roe deer, which are overabundant in much of Britain. They will take on larger ungulates such as red deer or reindeer when other prey is scarce. Lynx also eat foxes, rabbits, hares, rodents, and birds. Carcasses left by lynx provide food for other species and help fertilise the soil as they decay.

Where it likes to be

From Britain through Siberia and into Mongolia, India and northern Iran, the Eurasian lynx territory spans right across Europe and into Asia. It’s an ambush hunter and likes to dwell in forest and woodland, and in rugged rocky areas where it can surprise prey.

Studies on the viability of lynx reintroduction in Britain suggest that the Highlands of Scotland are capable of supporting 400 lynx. This number grows as woodland cover increases.

How much space they need

In Europe, the Eurasian lynx tends to roam across a home range of many square kilometres in size. Their territory will vary according to availability of prey and habitat.

Background story

In Britain, the Eurasian lynx survived longest in Scotland until finally going extinct around 1,300 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss. The youngest bone found is 1,500 years old. There are slightly later cultural records, including an apparent mention in the medieval Welsh poem Y Gododdin, and a carving on a 9^th century stone cross on the Isle of Eigg.

The lynx suffered similar declines in Europe before conservation efforts intervened. Lynx have been reintroduced to Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia. Populations are recovering in Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as much of eastern Europe. The Eurasian lynx is distinct from the Iberian lynx, which is slowly re-establishing in Portugal and Spain thanks to breeding and release programmes.

Can we have them in Britain?

Some areas of Scotland and England could successfully support a lynx population. There has been increased discussion on this topic in recent years, including the 2021 – 22 Lynx to Scotland consultation. If a viable reintroduction project was proposed, it would likely have the support of many conservation organisations including Rewilding Britain.

A compensation scheme would need to be set up for any livestock that wander into occupied woodland and become prey, similar to the Norwegian compensation model. As lynx are shy and hunt only in woodland, they are unlikely to present a serious problem to either farmers or walkers.