The re-introduction of the lynx in Slovenia and its present status in Slovenia and Croatia

Hold translocated mammals in captivity before release

A study in 1973–1995 in forests across Croatia and Slovenia (Cop & Frkovic 1998) found that following translocation, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx that had been held in captivity prior to release established a breeding population and expanded in number and range. Over the six years after release of six lynx, 19 litters totalling 30 kittens were recorded. Dispersing animals reached Bosnia-Herzegovina 11 years after releases and, two years later, one reached the Julian Alps, near Italy. The population, 22 years after releases, was estimated at 140 lynx in Slovenia and Croatia. These occupied approximately 3,700 km² in Slovenia and 3,000 km² in Croatia. Hunting was permitted from five years after releases and was the greatest cause of mortality, accounting for 229 of 277 known deaths. Lynx became extinct in Croatia and Slovenia at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1973, six wild-caught lynx (three female, three male) were caught in Slovakia, quarantined for 46 days and released in Kocevje, Slovenia. Monitoring was based on reviews of hunting data and communications with hunters, foresters and naturalists.

(Summarised by: Casey Johnson )