Earlier this month ( January 2025 ) authorities discovered that four Eurasian lynx had been illegally released into the wild near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands causing controversy and calls for wider questions around the ethics of certain rewilding practices.
The situation has drawn ire from both local communities and conservationists highlighting the complexities of carnivore reintroductions across the British Isles.
Though generally viewed as a non-threat to humans or livestock due to the lynx’s skittish and elusive behaviour, unfortunately these four individuals have been described as “tame and ill-prepared for life in the wild” meaning they were likely to fall prey to the harsh conditions of the highlands and struggle to acquire food. This was further complicated by the fact that one lynx died shortly after capture by authorities, likely due to the stress of the ordeal.
“Any such reintroduction must follow legal protocols, including ecological assessments and public consultations,” emphasised Scottish government representatives. The events have led to a police investigation and calls by conservation groups for those responsible to be charged.
Despite these unfortunate events strong advocacy still remains for the reintroduction of lynx across Britain along with frustration on the overall lack of progress for rewilding a number of extirpated species.
Lynx are believed to have vanished from the British Isles around a millenia ago due to persecution, hunting and the destruction of woodland habitats. However, they play a central role in controlling herbivore populations, particularly deer, which are currently vastly overpopulated and having devastating effects on forest growth and biodiversity. “Bringing back lynx could allow our forests to flourish again,” stated the Lynx UK Trust.
The Eurasian lynx is the largest of Europe’s wild cats, known for its tufted ears and short tail. Typically weighing between 18 to 30 kilograms, they are solitary and territorial, inhabiting dense forests where they prey on deer, hares, and other small mammals.
The challenges of reintroducing lynx remain significant. “We’re dealing with a landscape that has changed dramatically since lynx last roamed here,” said a National Trust spokesman. Human settlements, agricultural activity, and the potential impact on livestock are key concerns for local communities who feel they have been ignored in the conversation.
The illegal release has also highlighted the importance of adhering to legal procedures in rewilding projects. Conservation bodies stress that any reintroduction must be carefully planned, with robust scientific evidence, legal approvals, and community support. Public consultations are a critical component, ensuring that locals are fully engaged in the decision-making process.
Rewilding advocates emphasise the need for broad public support to make such initiatives successful. Recent surveys indicate growing public interest in rewilding, with many viewing it as a means to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. However, some remain skeptical, citing potential conflicts between conservation goals and agricultural practices.
Organisations like the Lynx UK Trust have been conducting consultations and education campaigns to foster understanding and support for their proposals. “It’s not just about bringing back lynx,” a representative explained. “It’s about restoring ecosystems and creating a future where humans and wildlife coexist.”
Across Europe, successful lynx reintroduction programs offer valuable lessons for Britain. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Slovenia have seen lynx populations thrive when reintroduced through well-regulated programs. These initiatives often involve habitat restoration, long-term monitoring, and compensation schemes for farmers whose livestock are affected by predation.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Human-wildlife conflicts, habitat fragmentation, and illegal hunting pose ongoing threats to lynx populations. Britain must learn from these experiences to ensure any future reintroduction avoids similar pitfalls.

Stalking lynx Tony Hisgett

Lynx in winter Holger Scmitt

Lynx Carlos Delgado