In the case of the wildcat, lynx could help their conservation by preying on foxes and feral cats. Conservation stakeholders claim the lynx could create a sustainable, long-term solution to the predation threats of these rare species. With considerable funding already invested in saving these species, some stakeholders are worried the efforts to protect their struggling populations would be undermined.

There were questions raised about the potential impact of lynx on other rare Scottish species such as the capercaillie and Scottish wildcat.

This is central to the discussion on how the lynx would impact the ecology of the areas and so the report recommends that more explicit information is needed.

On the issue of deer management, perceptions of deer abundance varied greatly, especially roe deer.

Expectations that ecosystems can be self-regulating in what was described as a highly altered, managed landscape were felt unrealistic by several groups of stakeholders. However, there was scepticism over whether lynx would provide a ‘silver bullet’ for the overpopulated deer problem, instead offering a more ‘natural’ mechanism of deer control than culling. Arguments in support include that lynx predating deer would help nutrient cycling, vegetation and tree regeneration and provide carcasses for other species in progression towards a self-sustaining system - a vital component of the vision to rewild Scotland.

The extent of people’s role in managing wildlife and the environment, mainly deer and woodlands, was another main talking point.

However, concerns remain in relation to the proposed sites in Scotland as they are intensively used for natural resource management, farming, conservation, sporting interest and tourism. The large carnivore recovery in relatively densely populated areas of Europe was raised as an example of lynx coexistence with people. This relates to the concern about human disturbances from the close proximity of apex predators. Inferring that lynx behaviour from European countries where it already exists would be similar in Scotland’s context was questioned by some stakeholders, to which proponents of reintroductions felt their behaviour is to a great extent predictable, irrespective of habitat.Some stakeholders believed there isn’t the sufficient quality of woodlands for the lynx yet, although lynx ecologist experts stated the animal’s primary needs of ambush cover, prey availability and secure denning sites would be met at the proposed sites. Habitat suitability was a key theme which divided opinion.Two perspectives are in favour of lynx reintroductions (1) & (5), one is against (2) and the remaining two (3) & (4) are not currently in support but are willing to explore the potential further.The interviewed stakeholders held 5 broad perspectives entitled: Lynx for Change (1), No to Lynx (2), Scotland is not ready (3), We are not convinced (4), Lynx for the economy (5).For an overview, we’ve condensed some of the key findings below: To read about the full range and depth of the discussions see the Lynx to Scotland Report here. Views were gathered from a diverse range of rural stakeholders including farmers, gamekeepers, foresters, conservationists, landowners, tourism operators and rural communities on possible lynx reintroductions to Cairngorms National Park and Argyll. The most comprehensive study to evaluate key stakeholder perceptions of lynx reintroductions to Scotland was carried out by The Vincent Wildlife Trust supported by Scotland: The Big Picture between 20.

Findings from 'Lynx to Scotland': An assessment of the social feasibility of returning Eurasian lynx to Scotland

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