The Eurasian Lynx, an elusive hunting cat, was native to the UK until its extinction in the 1600s. The Missing Lynx Project is trying to change this. A partnership between Northumberland Wildlife Trust, The Lifescape Project, and The Wildlife Trusts, this project aims to raise awareness on reintroducing the Eurasian Lynx to rewild Britain. Their free interactive exhibit is touring the UK, having appeared at the Northern Stage from the 3rd to the 7th of February.
This keystone species once thrived in the forests of England, preying on deer, birds, foxes and small rodents. It is distinctive from other cat species, with dark tufts on top of its ears and a very short tail. Their coats have a spotted pattern, unique to each lynx, that can be used to identify individuals, much like our fingerprints. As a nocturnal animal, it is known to be shy and unlikely to be spotted even in well-visited areas.
Rewilding is a conservation strategy that restores ecosystems to their natural state, allowing nature to care for itself. Due to the absence of predators, the UK deer population has grown rapidly, posing significant ecological threats to new vegetation, shoots, and ground flora growth. As an apex predator, the presence of the lynx will rebalance the ecosystems, allowing the growth of our woodlands and forests. The historic return of this predator will benefit the entire nation, improving our landscape and ecotourism and removing the costs of deer culling. This has already been successfully implemented in European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
Having extensively researched the location of the new habitat for Lynx, three main areas have been chosen for their extensive forests: Northumberland, Cumbria, and Scotland. Scientists have observed what establishes a successful reintroduction as it has occurred across central Europe for the last 50 years. Despite the many benefits to the natural environment, the project still needs public support, as the Lynx is commonly perceived as a threat to livestock and people.
There are many volunteering opportunities with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, from assisting at discovery centers to working in practical conservation.
You can visit the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website for further information.