Most people these days agree that Scotland needs an apex predator. Deer need controlling and the ecosystem needs a predator. I have already discussed the possibility of a wolf reintroduction but now with the Lynx Trust UK filling an application to begin a lynx reintroduction into the Scottish Highlands I would like to cover the issue of a potential lynx return.
The Eurasian Lynx is the candidate considered for reintroduction in the Scottish Highlands and it is a medium size cat. It mostly feeds on ungulates,unlike other lynx, so it could potentially make a good candidate for Scotland. It will potentially help the landscape recover by moving deer herds around which would reduce the pressure from the plants hence allowing the landscape to recover. This is one of the main arguments used by re-wilding fans through however the lynx has a few added benefits to its side.
Firstly lynx are usually very elusive animals. It is very unlikely that people hiking across the wilderness will come across a lynx and extremely unlikely that they will feel threatened by a lynx. This is good in regards to public image as the lynx does not bear a ferocious reputation as the wolf or bears do. Hence the general public is more likely to be more accepting of a lynx roaming the Highlands than any other predator. An additional bonus to this is the fact that lynx reintroduction can be very low profile hence people are unlikely to hear or see the lynx much. This will allow the lynx to expand it's range quietly and without much turmoil. The lynx is generally an animal that is accepted more by farmers and ranchers than wolves or bears so very little opposition will be met in reintroducing in.
Secondly lynx may aid in wildcat protection. The Scottish wildcat is under threat by habitat loss but it's greatest threat is hybridization with feral cats. Lynx has been documented to kill feral cats which could help boost the genetic purity of wildcats. However it is not documented how wildcats will react although other wildcat species seem to coexist with lynx. There are no observations on what effect the lynx will have in the red squirrel efforts although lynx are recorded to prey on squirrels if they can. In addition to that we don't know what effect they will have on pine martens or American minks. It is easy to assume positive effects but caution should be noted. Just because lynx coexisted with native animals in the past does not mean that they will do so again.
However lynx reintroduction will not without it's disadvantages. There will be livestock depredation and although it will not be in big numbers(due to the lynx solitary nature it will not take many livestock) it will probably make reintroducing other carnivores really hard. In addition to that due to the close proximity of towns and villages to natural habitats it may be possible to see the lynx slowly moving into rural areas and maybe even urban environments(although highly unlikely) and hence potentially becoming a pest. The most likely scenario of this is that lynx may venture into villages or towns every once in a while and eat from garbage or attack pets but it is highly unlikely that it will escalate to something bigger due to the shy nature of the lynx.
Overall with proper monitoring, scientific effort and the right support, lynx reintroduction can happen and should happen. It is a species that will not produce much political turmoil and might set the stage for further re-wilding and it is time that a “practice what you preach” action is actually done.
