Newly released lynx dies in Vosges

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Newly released lynx dies in Vosges

CAT NEWS
Issue 13, Autumn 1990

A young female lynx captured in Czechoslovakia was released in April this year in the Vosges, but was later found dead.

The release was authorised after a conference of national and local authorities, hunters and lynx specialists. This was the 13th in a series of releases since 1983 in the 4,750 km² range, which could support 20-30 adult lynx, according to biologist Veronique Herrenschmidt.

Of the 12 reintroduced lynx, two females had litters which did not survive, while one female was shot illegally just after giving birth. Two other lynx were shot illegally.

The hunters complain that, on the basis of scientific studies elsewhere, the six existing lynx would kill 300 roe deer and chamois each year, adding that there are only 300-350 chamois because of over-hunting. Although the hunters say that the lynx threatens an already declining population of capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, the lynx specialists say that there is no record of lynx killing these large birds in France. Predation is possible, but would not threaten the capercaillie population.

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