Lynx release plan is hit by new report

THE suitability of Kielder for a full reintroduction of the lynx has not been proved and undermines the case for a trial release of six animals in the area.

That is the response of Northumberland National Park Authority to a request by Natural England for the authority’s views on the trial proposal by the Lynx Trust UK.

At a special meeting of the park authority on the issue, a report by park officers said: “It is a subject that has generated a lot of public interest, both locally and nationally.

“The issues of a trial reintroduction and a full reintroduction are inextricably linked when considering the location of a trial.

“The suitability of Kielder for a full reintroduction is not proved with the current information available, therefore undermining its potential as a trial site.”

The report also claims the number of visitors to Kielder which a lynx trial would generate is likely to have been over-estimated and the impact on livestock farming under-estimated.

The proposal is for a trial reintroduction of four females and two males for a period of five years to see how the species behaves in the habitat currently available.

The animals would be collared and tracked. The report says: “Failure of the project would be if the animals had to be removed for their health or if they impacted negatively.” northumberlandnationalpark.org. uk/NNPALynxResponse