Over 90 per cent of people support trial re-introduction of Lynx

Over 90 per cent of people support a trial re-introduction of the Eurasian Lynx to the UK, according to a new survey.

The Lynx UK Trust carried out a survey alongside the University of Cumbria, finding that, of the 9,000 who took part, 91 per cent supported a trial re-introduction, with 84 per cent saying it should begin within the next 12 months.

The survey also found that views did not differ significantly between across areas of the UK, with support for a trial re-introduction 5-6 per cent lower in rural areas than urban.

Chief scientific advisor to the project, Dr Paul O'Donoghue, said: “This is by far the biggest survey of its kind ever carried out in the UK, with almost five times the feedback of the original beaver reintroduction survey in Scotland which recorded an 86 per cent approval rating. That led to government approval for the trial reintroduction, so we're expecting to see a consistent response from Scottish Natural Heritage and hope for similar in England and Wales.

“Lynx have proven themselves across Europe to be absolutely harmless to humans and of very little threat to livestock, whilst bringing huge benefit to rural economies and the natural ecology, including species like capercaillie which face some serious problems in the UK. It's wonderful that the general public want to see lynx given the chance to do the same here.”

The Trust said applications to Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage are expected to be completed by summer, for sites in Norfolk, Cumbria, Northumberland and Aberdeenshire.

Up to six Eurasian lynx would be released at each site and closely monitored via satellite collars over a trial period of 3-5 years.

Lynx were hunted to extinction in the UK over 1,300 years ago, with supporters arguing the species would act as a natural control on deer numbers, leading to forest regeneration and helping to boost the ecosystem.