A recent report from Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park has uncovered a shocking case of suspected “guerrilla rewilding” after a pair of Eurasian lynx were discovered roaming the area. The incident, which began with a sighting on January 8, has now turned into a troubling investigation into the illegal release of the species.
The initial discovery of the lynx quickly led to an effort by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Scottish police, and park rangers to capture the animals. The situation escalated after camera traps confirmed the presence of additional lynx in the park, one of which tragically died shortly after being caught.
The Discovery of the Lynx
On January 8, park visitors reported spotting a pair of Eurasian lynx in the snow-draped Cairngorms. The sighting quickly garnered attention, and by January 9, the first pair was successfully captured by a combined effort of local authorities and RZSS staff. The following days brought further surprises, as camera traps identified a second pair of lynx in the same park.
Despite the apparent success in capturing the animals, the situation took a dark turn when one of the newly captured lynx was found dead. On January 11, RZSS confirmed the death of the fourth lynx, stating that a postmortem would be conducted to determine the cause. The event has left many wondering whether the animals’ ill preparation for life in the wild led to the tragic outcome.
An Alleged Case of “Guerrilla Rewilding”
The lynx release has been labeled as “guerrilla rewilding” — a term used to describe unofficial attempts to reintroduce species to ecosystems where they have been absent for centuries. According to experts, such efforts bypass established protocols and pose serious risks to the animals and the ecosystem.
While Eurasian lynx were once native to Scotland, their extinction in the region is believed to have occurred more than 1,300 years ago due to hunting and habitat loss. Despite their stable populations in northern Europe and parts of Asia, there have been mixed reactions to proposals aimed at reintroducing them to the UK.
David Field, chief executive of RZSS, stated that the release may have been an impatient act by individuals seeking to fast-track the reintroduction process. Others speculate that it could have been an act of abandonment by someone no longer able to care for the animals. According to reports, the lynx appeared to be tame and accustomed to humans, which further complicates the issue.
The Illegal Act and Its Consequences
Releasing animals into the wild without proper permits or planning is not only dangerous but also illegal in the UK. The individuals responsible for the release could face severe legal consequences, including a prison sentence of up to five years, an unlimited fine, or both.
- The release violated established international best practices for species reintroduction.
- The lack of preparation for the lynx’s survival in the wild raises serious concerns about their well-being.
- The act is being investigated by local authorities, who are working to identify those responsible.
Peter Cairns, from the rewilding organization SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, expressed concern over the counterproductive nature of the release. His organization is already working on a responsible reintroduction of lynx to the Scottish Highlands, in line with best practices and conservation guidelines.
The Fate of the Captured Lynx
As for the remaining three lynx, they have been placed in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo for the next 30 days. The animals are being closely monitored by expert keepers and veterinarians. Laura Moore, communications manager at RZSS, assured the public that the lynx are being cared for in the best possible conditions.
There is uncertainty surrounding the future of these animals, as it is still unclear whether they will be returned to the wild. The possibility of the lynx being moved to Highland Wildlife Park, located near where they were found, remains under consideration, but no final decision has been made.
The outcome of the investigation into the illegal release could have significant implications for future rewilding efforts. With a growing number of organizations supporting responsible and carefully planned reintroductions of native species, the question remains whether this unfortunate incident will halt or hasten the lynx’s return to Scotland.
