On the occasion of International Lynx Day on Saturday, the conservation organization WWF is warning of the renewed regional extinction of Europe’s largest cat species. Since the 1970s, the once extinct lynx have been resettled in Austria. However, their numbers are currently stagnating at a very low level.
“The maximum of 35 to 40 native lynxes live in small, isolated populations. Habitat is being cut up en masse. There are hardly any descendants. Genetic impoverishment through inbreeding is also a major problem,” explains WWF biologist Magdalena Erich.
In the worst case, there is a risk of complete disappearance
Because lynxes are also threatened by illegal persecution, there is a risk of a further decline in the population in the coming years and in the worst case their complete disappearance, the WWF fears.
“In the long run, lynx in Austria can only survive if the small populations are fostered and linked together,” said WWF expert Erich. In addition, it must be possible to curb illegal persecution, prevent further fragmentation of habitats – for example by roads, settlements and industrial areas – and to overcome this by building safe crossings such as green bridges, the WWF demands.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
