Timeline
Tensions are currently high in Kalkalpen National Park, where lynxes have roamed the forests for 25 years. If the long-awaited child of the brush-ears finally appears, he should be born in the next few days.
12.06.2023 05.36
Online since today, 5:36 am
But even if there are descendants, the lynx population is too small to survive. Experts believe that at least double the number would be needed, that is, from ten to 15 animals.
Only a male lynx able to breed
Only six lynxes have been colonized in Kalkalpen National Park in the past ten years. It is questionable whether females can still have children due to their age. There are currently two males for them in the national park. Only one of them, a pup named Norik, is able to conceive. Experts agree that there are too few animals to maintain a healthy population in the long term. Twice as many bobcats as currently needed for Kalkalpen National Park.
Mortality among very high young animals
WWF’s Christian Pichler refers to Germany, for example, where 20 lynxes were resettled as part of a project. Increasing the population in the national park is also important because the mortality rate among young animals is very high – only about one in four lynx cubs reach sexual maturity. Attempts to reintroduce the lynx have been repeatedly thwarted in the past. Several lynx baits were illegally culled and a lynx carcass was found in a taxidermist’s fridge in 2016.