Trossachs targeted as new lynx home
A forest park which takes in the Trossachs could become the first site in Scotland to see wild cats reintroduced.
Territory for the lynx has been earmarked in an area of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which extends from Loch Lomond to the Menteith Hills near Callander and Loch Ard Forest near Aberfoyle.
The medium-sized cat, hunted for its pelt, became extinct in Scotland 1300 years ago.
The Lynx UK Trust point out the predators’ absence has contributed to the overpopulation of deer in Scotland, the cat’s favourite prey.
Sheep farmers, however, are concerned that the animals could threaten their flocks.
If permission is granted three Eurasian lynx (one male and two females) will be reintroduced in the Queen Elizabeth Forest park for a five-year period. They will wear satellite collars to monitor their movements.
Information gathered will be examined and could inform plans for a wider reintroduction at multiple sites across Scotland.
Other shortlisted sites had been Glen Feshie in the Cairngorms National Park and the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll.
Lynx UK Trust director Paul O’donoghue said: “The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is a lynx paradise.
“It ticks all the boxes: high deer densities, extensive forest cover, extremely low human population density and no major roads.
“We have identified a 350 square kilometre project area site after discussion with Scottish Natural Heritage.
“It is vital to point out that we hope to develop widespread community support for our plans.
“This will not be imposed on anyone. Rather we see this as an opportunity to build strong networks with partners and stakeholders to deliver what is undoubtedly the most exciting and largescale conservation project ever proposed in Scotland.”
A consultation on the plan is set to begin in Aberfoyle early next month.
A spokesperson for Scottish Natural Heritage said: “We met with the organisation on March 9 for an informal pre-application discussion at the request of the applicant.
“During the meeting we clarified what information would be expected to support an application to reintroduce lynx to Scotland, in line with the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations.
“We are aware that there are strong views about these proposals and, in the event that an application is submitted, would expect extensive consultation to take place to ensure plans take the views of the public, livestock and land managers into account along with any socio-economic and crossborder impacts.”
Dr O’donoghue said: “We can’t wait to meet the community and explain our plans”.
The first public consultation event will be at the Forth Inn, Aberfoyle, between 2-4pm on Wednesday September 9.
More information can be found on the website at www.lynxuk.org.