Lynx could thrive in Northumberland with most in area supporting return, study finds | Rewilding

The release of only 20 lynx in Northumberland would be sufficient to create a healthy wild population, according to research, and most people in the region would support practice.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust worked to see if wild cats, who died in Great Britain about 1,300 years ago following hunting and loss of habitat, could be returned to the region.

In a newspaper Published in the Journal of Environmental Management, modeling studies have revealed that Lynx would be able to thrive in the region.

The study revealed that a release of 20 lynx over several years in the Kielder forest zone would over time create a healthy population of around 50 animals covering the northwest of the northwest, the edge of the cumber and the limited areas of the south of Scotland. The researchers said it was the only district of England and Wales with enough wood for Lynx prosperous.

Ecologists supporting the reintroduction of lynx in the United Kingdom say that it could bring many advantages such as deer hunt that overcrowded woods and eat absences of trees, which destroys them.

The timid animals are slightly smaller than a Labrador and prefer large dense wood areas in which to walk. The areas in which they could be successfully released in the United Kingdom are limited, because most forests are no longer large enough. The animal has been reintroduced in several European countries, including Germany, Switzerland and France.

Due to its wealth of wood, fauna trusts have identified Northumberland as an ideal place to explore the feasibility of the return of the wild cat. A one year consultation revealed that 72% of people in the project area supported the reintroduction of the animal.

The group also spoke to farmers, some of which were concerned about the possibility that Lynx has their sheep and put a trip to European countries where Lynx was reintroduced. Farmers have met with agricultural workers and people who have lived alongside the wild cat for decades.

Lauren Harrison, a Hadrian’s Wall sheep producer, said: “I saw in Europe that it is possible to live alongside Lynx. The risk of cattle can be minimal and that there are so many positive points. Tourism is obvious, but I also think that a more balanced ecosystem is beneficial for farmers.

“I was really impressed by the approaching approach and professionalism of the missing Lynx project. I think it really establishes the standard for reintroduction projects. The consultation was at the heart of everything they do. They have really listened to and are always eager to work with farmers to ensure that any reintroduction is well managed.

“I invite other farmers to get involved with them and take ownership of the project. The wider public clearly supports a lynx reintroduction and it is an excellent opportunity to help get there with so little risks for our businesses. ”

The Wildlife Trusts were at the forefront of the campaign to bring the bearers back to England, which occurred legally for the first time this year after the government finally approved the outings. Ministers should approve any lynx release in the wild.

Dr. Rob Stoneman, director of resumption of the landscape at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Bring back Lynx could benefit more widely to fauna, which is cruelly necessary in this country impoverished by nature. We have pushed many native species to extinction, and it is logical to bring back the missing fauna where this is possible.

“The bison and the beavers have invigorated degraded habitats and this consultation shows that there is now an opportunity for us to bring Lynx too.”