Re-introduction and present status of the lynx (Lynx lynx) in Switzerland

Hold translocated mammals in captivity before release

A review in 1998 of translocations in 1971–1989 of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx into nine temperate forest sites in Switzerland (Breitenmoser et al. 1998) found that after being held in captivity before release, the range of lynx in the release area increased over time. Ten years after the first releases, lynx occupied approximately 4,000 km². Seventeen years later, this had increased to >10,000 km², although the rate of range expansion had slowed. One-hundred and three lynx were confirmed dead following translocations, mostly from road accidents (27%) and illegal shootings (26%). In 1971–1989, at least 25 lynx were released at nine sites in the Alps and Jura mountains in Switzerland. Most were captured in the Slovakian Carpathian Mountains, kept in captivity for at least one month and then released. From 1971 to 1998, questionnaires were distributed among the public to gather reports of lynx sightings. To confirm deaths, lynx carcasses were collected over an unspecified time period. From 1983 to 1998, thirty-seven lynx were captured and fitted with radio-collars to assess range occupancy.

(Summarised by: Paul Gerlach )