lynx

It’s the Lynx effect and it has nothing to do with cosmetics…Conservationists say reintroducing lynx into the countryside will create jobs and a cash bonanza.

Campaigning for the animal’s return, the Lynx UK Trust says that there was an overwhelming 91 per cent positive reaction when gauged public opinion on the idea earlier this year.

It is now suggesting trial reintroduction sites in Aberdeenshire, Argyll, Northumberland, Cumbria and Norfolk but before doing so is launching a national stakeholder consultation on what returning lynx will mean for Britain.

Areas under discussion will be the impacts on UK ecology as well as farming and tourism. Stakeholders invited to take part include landowners, farmers, gamekeepers and conservation groups who will be asked to give their opinions to Scottish Natural Heritage and Natural England who would sanction any lynx release.

As part of the process, the Lynx Trust will be releasing details about the logistics of the release and the various impacts the animals will have on life in the UK.

It says research shows lynx are no threat to people and are “little to no threat for pets or livestock”. By contrast, lynx are likely to deliver benefits for forestry and crop farming as well as creating substantial eco-tourism and job opportunities.

Lynx UK Trust chief scientist Dr. Paul O’Donoghue said: “We’re incredibly excited to start discussing the details with stakeholders.

“Lynx reintroduction is a big step for all of us in the UK and this is the opportunity for a wide range of groups to really understand what it could mean, how they could be affected, and to tell us and the statutory agencies how they feel about it.