Missing Lynx

 

Two Eurasian lynx were illegally released in the Scottish Highlands near Drumguish. Both have now been recaptured and placed in quarantine in the Highland Wildlife Park (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/09/two-lynx-captured-after-being-illegally-released-in-scottish-highlands). There's a good argument for restoring this predator to the Scottish highlands. They would provide a natural control for burgeoning deer populations, threatening the maturation of the mountainous forests. Illegal release is, however, distinctly unhelpful. Effective release should only be done under well-controlled, approved circumstances. Only animals proved free of potentially problematic pathogens, should be liberated. Releases must also be trialled in defined areas, where the consequences can be professionally evaluated and, if necessary, terminated. All relevant shareholders in the locality  including farmers, campers and walkers have to be reassured. Illegal releases and its resulting media firestorm, makes this very difficult.