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Bring back the Lynx?

Lynx once prowled the countryside here, and there are calls for the species to be reintroduced. But the proposals don't please everyone. Euan McIlwraith explores the debate.

The Eurasian lynx once prowled the Scottish countryside, and recently there have been calls for the species to be reintroduced. Conservationists say it could help the environment, because the lynx would help control the huge population of roe deer we now have. Roe deer are another indigenous species, and currently spend their days munching away vast areas of woodland, unbothered by any predators. Having lynx in the area, say supporters, would keep the deer on the move, and reduce their numbers. This would help the woodland recover, which in turn would be good news for other animals and plants.

Photo courtesy of Alex Ridddell/RZSS

Available now

20 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 1 Oct 2015 03:15