Lynxes in the Harz: Genes protect despite dangers and inbreeding!

Lynxes in the Harz: Genes protect despite dangers and inbreeding!

The return of the lynx to the Harz is not only a positive sign for nature conservation, but also a challenge. Between 50 and 80 lynx currently live there in a habitat that is characterized by large forest areas and a high density of prey. Still, there are serious threats to these majestic wild cats. How NDR reported that European lynx populations suffer from genetic defects caused by inbreeding.

The main problem? The isolation of the lynxes! In Western Europe, including Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland, exchanges between different lynx populations are extremely rare. The last German lynx lived in the Alps in 1850 before the animal was wiped out. Fortunately, there has been progress since 2000, when the first reintroduction took place in the Harz Mountains. There is new hope for the population, particularly with the arrival of a male lynx from Switzerland, which was introduced specifically to increase genetic diversity.

Challenges and solutions

Another focus is on female lynxes, which make it more difficult to connect the population due to their lower willingness to migrate. Roads and agricultural areas also pose a source of danger. The protected “Rikki”, a female from the Kiev Zoo, also had to be transported under the most difficult conditions, which shows the commitment of the animal rights activists who look after the lynxes. Their arrival in the Harz is an important sign, as offspring are to be bred in a large enclosure. These young animals will later be prepared for other reintroduction projects.

There are currently around 200 lynxes in Germany. In comparison, the wolf population is estimated at 1,175 animals. Despite the lynx being classified as “threatened with extinction”, a positive development shows that measures to conserve them are having an impact. Protecting these animals would not only benefit the lynxes themselves, but also the entire ecosystem that benefits from their presence.

A look beyond the borders

In all of Europe, the lynx is the largest cat species and requires quiet, low-disturbance forests with sufficient food to raise their young. The alarm bells are red, particularly for the endangered subspecies of the Balkan lynx. With fewer than 50 specimens in the mountain forests of the southern Balkans, there is a risk of extinction here. Organization partners like EuroNature are actively committed to the protection and knowledge of lynxes in order to preserve their habitats for future generations.

The developments in the Harz are part of a larger picture in which not only the lynxes themselves, but also the various reintroduction projects in Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and Saxony play a role. These initiatives aim to connect isolated lynx populations through genetic exchange and thus make a significant contribution to the conservation of the species. In summary, we can say: The lynxes in the Harz region show us how to do it - it takes determination and cooperation to ensure the continued existence of these impressive animals.