Next important step in the LIFE Lynx project is to improve population connectivity for lynx by increasing the chances of natural gene flow inside the population and improving chances of connecting Dinaric-SE Alpine lynx population to other populations in the Alps. For that purpose it is important to bring back the lynx in the SE Alps and create a population “stepping stone” to generate a new population nucleus further west of the current Dinaric population.
In 2021 we are planning to release five animals in Gorenjska region in Slovenia, where lynx reproduction wasn’t recorded since the beginning of the 20th century. For that purpose, Slovakian and Romanian partners activated box traps in the Carpathians in January 2021. Until the end of March, six animals were captured for translocation: one female and two males in Romania, and two females and one male in Slovakia. Those animals are currently in the quarantine enclosures and will be released within LIFE Lynx project during the next months.
Summary of lynxes captured for translocation in 2021
Romania:
Tris. Photo: Miha Krofel
TRIS – Male lynx Tris was the first one, captured in Bacău County at the end of January. The lynx was translocated to quarantine enclosure in Pokljuka, Slovenia where he will wait for other lynxes before release into nature.
Aida. Photo: Andrei Dinu
AIDA – In February, also in Bacău Count, the first female lynx, Aida was captured. She will be translocated to Gorenjska region, Slovenia.
Second Romanian male lynx. Photo: Radu Sandu
SECOND MALE LYNX – Another male lynx was captured in March in Neamț County. After veterinary analysis and the requirement of all necessary documentation, the male will be translocated to Gorenjska region, Slovenia.
Slovakia:
Emil, first male lynx from Slovakia. Photo: Branislav Tám
EMIL – First captured animal was a male lynx, captured the area of Vepor Mountains at the end of February. Slovakian team named the lynx Emil. After veterinary analysis and the requirement of all necessary documentation, the male will be translocated to Croatia.
First female lynx from Slovakia. Photo: Jakub Kubala
FIRST FEMALE LYNX – In March two female lynxes were captured in Slovakia.
Lenka, second female lynx from Slovakia. Photo: Branislav Tám
LENKA – the second female lynx that was captured in Slovakia in the area of Vtáčnik Mountains. Both females will be translocated to Slovenia.
2021 is really an amazing lynx-capturing year for our project. Despite the coronavirus limitations, the LIFE Lynx team is arranging all necessary requirements for translocating the animals as quickly as possible. The exact dates of the transfers are not yet confirmed, all animals are in good care.