lynx

THE LYNX/RIS (Felis lynx)

The Lynx (Felis lynx) is restricted to steep mountainous terrain over 700 metres and it requires very large hunting areas. Consequently it lives at low population densities and is especially vulnerable to environmental change.

European Lynx Distribution

Source: Bjarvall and Ullstrom, 1986

Population

In historical times the lynx was found over almost the whole of Europe although it has now disappeared from most countries.

Within the Carpathian Mountains of Romania a very significant Lynx population of perhaps 1000 - 1500 is still to be found. (MWFEP, 1996b).
Within Retezat Pronatura cite a minimum population of 4 individuals.

Protection

Through strict protection from hunting, which has been introduced in most countries, Lynx populations have started to recover and their range has even expanded in some areas. (Bjarvall and Ullstrom, 1986)

The Carpathians are a very important source of the individuals needed for the repopulation of their former range. (Rigg, 1998)

In 1995 permission was sought and obtained to shoot twenty lynxes in Romania, in 1996 the figure was down to fifteen.

WEB site on the Lynx