Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Croatia is under strict protection and their number is estimated between 40 – 60 individuals. Their cryptic nature makes these rare and charismatic mammals very difficult to study. Studies including telemetry produced poor results due to lynx mortality and collar disfunction. Teritorial nature of lynx involves frequent visits to their marking objects where they investigate presence of other lynx and leave their own scent. In June 2011. 10 digital trail cameras were positioned in Gorski kotar near known lynx marking objects. Among other species (Brown bear, Red fox, European wildcat) 2 lynx visits were recorded of which one was previously tagged with GPS collar by Slovenian researchers. The goal of our research is to montor lynx population in Gorski kotar and to study their population dynamics (mortality, migration, reproduction) by identifying individual animals on photographs and videos comparing spot patterns on their fur through prolonged period of time. Results will give us a brief, but significant view in biology of this species and also provide interesting tourist attraction since 2 cameras are placed inside National park „Risnjak“.

Veterinarska medicina