Talk will discuss reintroduction of lynx to Scotland

A discussion about the potential of reintroducing the lynx to Scotland is taking place next month.

Ecologist Dr David Hetherington will talk about his new book The Lynx and Us, at the Aigas field centre in Invernesshire.

The Lynx and Us features stunning photography of wild lynx from Laurent Geslin – and looks to inform a growing debate about the possibility of reintroducing the cats to Scotland after an absence of more than 400 years.

Drawing upon evidence from across Europe, the book examines what it would be like to have an apex predator living in our midst once again.

Lynx numbers are on the rise in Europe, through natural colonisation and reintroductions – sparking calls for the species’ return to Britain.

Dr Hetherington said: ‘Reintroducing lynx would be a milestone for British nature conservation. By preying on roe deer, they could play a vital role in maintaining healthy woodlands. But the lynx’s return could bring challenges too, so a respectful dialogue with those who live and work in the countryside is essential before any reintroduction could ever happen.’

Aigas in Inverness-shire will host the talk

Evidence suggests that lynx survived in Britain until after the Middle Ages. The Highlands may be where it held out longest, and this is also where Dr Hetherington says a modern-day lynx population could live, given the area’s abundance of forest and woodland deer as prey. His previous research indicates that the Highlands could support a population of at least 400 wild lynx.

Following centuries of decline due to deforestation, persecution and overhunting, the lynx has been reintroduced to several European countries since the 1970s – including in busy areas more densely populated than the Highlands, and which are used for farming, hunting, forestry and tourism. The lynx’s shyness and small size mean attacks on humans are virtually unknown.

The evenings takes place on Saturday, 9 June at 7pm. To book tickets contact the Aigas offices at info@aigas.co.uk or call 01463 782443.