Two lynx were spotted near the town of Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands on Wednesday night, setting off a chain of events that has captured the community’s attention. The initial sighting involved two lynx, which were later joined by two more, bringing the total to four. Known as the “Cairngorms Four,” these elusive creatures were the focus of a swift capture operation within the expansive Cairngorms National Park, the UK's largest national park, covering 1,748 square miles. This unexpected appearance has raised concerns among local farmers and wildlife experts alike.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to approximately 18,000 animals, including sheep and lambs, making it a vital area for local agriculture. The presence of lynx, which are non-native to the UK, has stirred anxiety among farmers about the potential threat to their livestock. Robert Macdonald, a local crofter and representative of the National Farmers' Union, stated that farmers are taking precautionary measures to protect their sheep from predation.
The lynx are believed to have originated from outside the area, as no premises in the vicinity had applied for or were operating under a Dangerous Wild Animal (DWA) licence. Furthermore, Scotland's nature agency, NatureScot, confirmed that they have not granted any licences for the reintroduction of lynx. This incident comes as a surprise, considering that lynx were once native to Britain but died out hundreds of years ago.
Wildlife keepers successfully captured the Cairngorms Four on Thursday, just hours after they were first sighted. The capture operation involved cage-type traps baited with venison and quail. Unfortunately, one of the lynx had died overnight, while the remaining three were safely taken into quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo.
The unexpected presence of these lynx has sparked discussions among wildlife groups regarding the implications of their illegal release. Peter Cairns from The Lynx to Scotland Project expressed concern over the incident:
"The Lynx to Scotland Project is working to secure the return of lynx to the Scottish Highlands, and this illegal and grossly irresponsible act comes at the worst possible time, when stakeholders are engaging in good faith with productive discussions about the potential for a fully resourced legal reintroduction."
The controversy surrounding this incident highlights broader issues in wildlife management and conservation. In addition to the lynx, the Scottish Highlands host a population of around 200,000 grey squirrels and several thousand feral pigs, as estimated by Forestry and Land Scotland and NatureScot. These species contribute to the complex ecological balance within the region.
Local residents have reacted with a mix of amusement and concern to the news of the lynx sightings. One resident shared:
"Some are finding it very funny and saying 'first there was the monkey now this'."
This comment reflects a degree of bewilderment at the unusual occurrences involving non-native species in the region.
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