MSPs in Holyrood propose reintroducing lynx to Scotland to boost ecosystem
MSPs have proposed reintroducing lynx back into Scotland, in an effort to boost the ecosystem.
This comes after a debate held on April 20, which received cross-party support after MSP Kenneth Gibson’s initial pitch.
The discussion which was sponsored by Ariane Burgess MSP, took place in Holyrood on April 25, and was organised by the rewilding charities Trees for Life, The Lifescape Project and Scotland: The Big Picture
Mike Flynn, chief superintendent for the Scottish Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said: “A concern I would have would be the protection the lynx would receive. We’ve got enough persecution of the wildlife going on at the moment in Scotland so reintroducing another species that might be target, we’d like to see that addressed before it’s carried out.
“There’s obviously scientific challenges, they have to able to prove it would be a viable area they’re releasing them in with a natural food source and they wouldn’t have conflict with land owners.
“The SSPCA’s stance would wait and see all the evidence wait and see what’s being proposed. There could be conflict with landowners especially the likes of landowners but we’d base it on the science behind the proposal.”
Lynx used to live in Scotland before they were hunted to extinction 500 years ago.
Conservation and wildlife groups believe that reintroducing the animal could benefit ecotourism and follow the examples of countries such as Switzerland, Germany and France.
The lynx could also help control the Roe deer in the area where they damage woodland, but concerns have been raised about them preying on livestock.
In 2022, Scotland: The Big Picture conducted a study to evaluate the ecological feasibility of returning lynx to Scotland.
The Lynx to Scotland project commissioned the research into the animals in both Argyll and the Cairngorms National Park.
The research found that opinion was extremely divided on the matter of whether or not to bring them back.
The National Farmer’s Union of Scotland (NFU) is the biggest critic of the proposal, stating that it is unacceptable to farmers and crofters.
NFU Scotland released a statement which said: “NFU Scotland remains crystal clear that any proposals to re-introduce predators such as lynx, wolves or bears are wholly unacceptable to Scottish farmers and crofters and it calls on Scottish Government to make a clear statement rejecting such proposals permanently
“The past few years have seen a long line of brazen and presumptuous claims from organisations about the imminent reintroduction of predators to the UK, causing considerable angst and anxiety to those who keep livestock in Scotland.”
Positive outcomes that could come from having lynx would include increasing tourism revenue, boosting biodiversity and restoring natural processes.
Roy Dennis honorary director of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation said: “The conservation of nature is essential for the future not only of nature but also of humans and for our land to be in the best ecological condition is important for our future, especially for young people.”
“The challenge will always be bringing something back which was exterminated in our country long ago. There’s no evidence the lynx was exterminated because it was a pest, it was probably exterminated because of its coat.”
The discussion about reintroducing lynx back into Scotland is ongoing, with opinions divided on the potential benefits and risks.
