Mountain condemns rewilding charities over 'the Lynx effect'

Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain has called out rewilding charities over their campaign to reintroduce the Eurasian Lynx to the Highlands.

The Highlands could support around 400 wild lynx if the species were to be reintroduced to Scotland, an event at Holyrood will hear today (April 25).

Rewilding charities claim there is growing public support to see the Eurasian lynx return to the country more than 500 years after it became extinct here.

Edward Mountain MSP has claimed that any reintroduction could undermine efforts to save threatened species such as capercaillie and provide unhelpful competition to conservation efforts to save the wildcat.

He commented: “The last thing the Highlands needs is the Lynx effect. I see very little appetite for the reintroduction of this species from those who actually manage our countryside.

“This agenda is being pushed by rewilding organisations which are fixated on single species and the reforestation of the Highlands.

“We shouldn’t forget that previous attempts to reintroduce species have not come without their problems, such as the uncontrolled introduction of beavers on the Tay which have caused many flooding problems and damage along the river.

“Instead of reintroducing the lynx we need to prioritise conservation efforts for the species that we are in danger of losing, such as the wildcat, capercaillie and other ground nesting birds. Adding another predator into the mix is unlikely to help these threatened species.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.