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Management and research of the Croatian lynx population

Decrease in lynx (Lynx lynx) population size has been observed in Croatia during the last 10 years and there are only 40 to 60 animals present today. All of them are offspring of six animals reintroduced in 1973 from Slovakia to Slovenia. The autochthonous population has disappeared around year 1900 due to severe prosecution and low prey base. The nowadays population is facing the same threats, with additional threat of inbreeding. Lynx in Croatia is protected by Nature Protection Law and in 2005 Croatian Lynx Management Plan was adopted and is being implemented since. However, until recently proper monitoring system was not in place and only mortality cases have been recorded. Research was limited to morphometric analysis and 3 animals were monitored for a short period, using radio telemetry collars. Since September 2007 project entitled “ Transboundary cooperation in management, conservation and research of the Dinaric lynx population” is being implemented in Croatia and Slovenia. European Union is co-financing the project trough Interreg IIA Neighbourhood Programme. During the project implementation joint monitoring system will be developed ; quality, quantity and distribution of habitat and lynx population viability will be studied. A special attention will be given to research of genetic status and public attitudes towards lynx. All of the results will form a base for development of a Proposal of a Joint Management Strategy for the Dinaric Lynx Population and intensive activities for raising public awareness.

Lynx lynx; management; research; Croatia

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