Expanding the range of the lynx population in northern Poland

Introduction

The project aims to improve the uncertain situation of the Eurasian lynx at the edge of its natural range in Poland and to solve the identified problems and threats confirmed by, for example, the report submitted to the European Commission in 2019.

Main Goals

The main goals of the project are:

1. Restoring the historical range of the Baltic lynx population in Central Europe by establishing genetically diverse local “stepping-stone” populations in northern Poland.
2. Creating conditions for effective dispersal and gene flow within and outside the Baltic lynx metapopulation in Poland by connecting the core range of the species in Eastern Europe with the peripheral populations in Central Europe via the bridge populations in Lithuania.
3. Garnering public acceptance of conservation and management strategies for the Baltic lynx metapopulation in Poland developed in cooperation with key stakeholders and international partners.

Implementation Strategies

These goals will be achieved by providing:

1. Genetically diverse founder groups (minimum 40 individuals) for local lynx populations.
2. High success rate of the reintroduction programme by eliminating threats to local populations.
3. A “genotype library” of the Eurasian lynx to be used in the planning of ex situ and in situ conservation measures, including identification of genetically unique individuals and determination of population origin, as well as identification of gene flow among populations.
4. Recommendations for actions to maintain ecological connectivity along the Northern Ecological Corridor and in the local N2000 network of areas.
5. Public support for maintaining the conservation status of the lynx in Poland and Lithuania, including the support of key stakeholders such as foresters and hunters.
6. Knowledge of best practices and experiences related to the reintroduction of lynx in Poland and Europe.
7. Conservation and management strategies for the Baltic lynx metapopulation in Poland in order to ensure its viability and thus, the sustainability of project results.