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New lynx in the Harz: Hope for changing species protection!
A new breeding lynx from Switzerland has arrived in the Harz Mountains. The project promotes the preservation of the lynx population in Europe.
New lynx in the Harz: Hope for changing species protection!
A new breeding lynx has found its home in the Bad Harzburg lynx enclosure. The six-year-old male, who comes from Switzerland, arrived in Germany at the beginning of July after a successful transport. The head of the Harz lynx project, Ole Anders, was pleased with the arrival. “He has already spent his first weekend in the Harz and is doing well,” says Anders, who also points to a failed attempt in June 2022 when a lynx escaped and was later released into the wild in Saxony.
At first the lynx was kept in quarantine in Sachsenhagen. During the examinations, no health problems were found in the animal, which is sure to please every lynx lover. His new habitat is currently a natural enclosure complex in Bad Harzburg, where he initially hides in an area that cannot be seen. In the coming days there are plans to move him to a public enclosure.
Urgency of the breeding program
Due to the war in Ukraine, transporting a breeding female from the zoo in Kiev is even more complicated. This female is intended for the new lynx and was allocated as part of an international breeding program. But breeding females are currently in short supply, which increases the urgency of transport. “The breeding female brings a new bloodline into the breeding program to avoid the risk of inbreeding,” emphasizes Ole Anders.
Overall, the European Zoo Association's breeding program is crucial for maintaining the lynx population in Europe. The expected offspring should not only be used for species protection projects for release into the wild, but also contribute to the continuation of the breeding program. The Harz National Park is an excellent initiative that is actively involved in the European conservation breeding program for lynx, as national park director Dr. Roland Pietsch confirms.
Pleasing developments and challenges
The reintroduction of the lynx in the Harz has already led to a stable and supra-regional lynx population. There are currently around a hundred lynxes living in the Harz Mountains, after animals were repeatedly introduced between 2000 and 2006. Most recently, a lynx was released into the wild in Solling. Despite these successes, further measures to support the lynx are essential to ensure the continued existence of these shy solitary animals.
The lynx is the largest cat species in Europe and requires undisturbed forests with an adequate food supply and quiet places to raise their young. By 1850 this species was almost extinct in many parts of Europe. Intensive protection and reintroduction programs are therefore still necessary, especially for the endangered subspecies of the Balkan lynx that lives in the southern Balkans.
EuroNatur and other organizations are committed to spreading knowledge about lynxes and protecting their habitats, which is extremely important given the challenges we face today. Borken newspaper and Harz National Park report on the positive progress and situation in the Harz during EuroNature points out the necessary protective measures. Only together can the continued existence of these fascinating animals be ensured.