A few weeks ago, the dead body of the six-year-old lynx ‘Sofia’ was found in Carinthia. Bullet particles were clearly identified during the forensic medical examination. According to the WWF, lynxes are repeatedly victims of illegal shootings.
“Sofia” was only captured in the Swiss Jura at the end of February and moved to Tarvisio in northern Italy. Together with four other lynxes, it was intended to strengthen the lynx population in the Southeastern Alps and thus make a decisive contribution to the networking of Central European lynx populations. Two weeks after her release, ‘Sofia’ migrated north in March and occupied an area between Villach, Feistritz and Bad Kleinkirchheim in Carinthia. Now it has been shot illegally.
“The loss of any animal is a painful setback”
Christian Pichler, species conservation expert at WWF Austria, is shocked by this “brutal and illegal act of poaching” and explains: “Especially for rare species such as the lynx, the loss of each individual animal is a painful setback and can ensure the survival of the species. Nevertheless, we will continue our efforts to build a stable lynx population in the region.”
The Cabina di Regia Lince e Caccia, an association of hunting associations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, which has supported the lynx resettlement from the beginning, also strongly condemns the illegal shooting. The Austrian police investigation is currently ongoing.
“Criminal problem”
Lynxes and other wild animals have repeatedly been victims of illegal persecution in Europe and Austria. “Poaching must be recognized in the political and social discourse as a serious criminal problem and no longer have the status of a trivial crime,” demands Christian Pichler in view of the recent incident in Austria.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
