In the area of newly established stepping-stone population, the Slovenian Alps, we have set up camera traps for lynx monitoring for the first time ever this autumn. With local hunters from five hunting clubs and three districts of state-owned hunting ground which lays within the Triglav National park we set up camera traps at 20 different locations. Choosing suitable locations was a challenge for the experienced personnel as the Alps differ from the Dinarics in many aspects. Luckily, the observations and local knowledge about the environment by the local hunters together with the telemetry data obtained from all collared lynxes in the region, enabled us to find promising locations for camera traps. The main goal of this year’s pilot survey is to record the cubs and to start gaining important experience for a long term monitoring of the lynx population development in the South Eastern Alps.
Map of lynx monitoring area in Slovenia in the season 2021/2022.
Checking on the map where the best locations for camera trapping could be. Photo: Maja Sever, LIFE Lynx
Setting a camera trap in Triglav national park. Photo: Urša Fležar, LIFE Lynx
A camera trap set in Bled Hunting Club area, with Slovenia’s highest mountain Triglav in the back. Photo: Maja Sever, LIFE Lynx