Kalkalpen National Park, Gesäuse National Park, and the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area are advocating for targeted support for the lynx population in the Alpine region.
Protected areas present joint position paper
Securing the future of the lynx in the Alps
Securing the future of the lynx in the Alps:
Protected areas present joint position paper
In a joint position paper, the Kalkalpen National Park, the Gesäuse National Park, and the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area advocate targeted and scientifically monitored population support for lynx in the Alpine region. Without our help, the current population will not be able to survive in the long term.
The lynx population in the Austrian Limestone Alps has been severely depleted. Currently, only seven animals live in the region, and regular reproduction has not been documented since 2018. Due to the advanced age of individual animals and their close genetic relationship, the continued existence of the population cannot be guaranteed without targeted measures.
From left to right: Josef Forstinger (Kalkalpen National Park), Herbert Wölger (Gesäuse National Park), and Christoph Leditznig (Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area) sign a joint position paper. © Andreas Hollinger
The three protected areas therefore advocate scientifically monitored population support. The proposal is to gradually release around 20 genetically unrelated individuals of the Carpathian lynx subspecies. The aim is to strengthen genetic diversity and lay the foundation for a permanently independent population in the Alpine region. To accompany this, lynx working groups with representatives from hunting, agriculture, nature conservation, and authorities are to ensure transparency and constructive dialogue.
"The lynx is part of the natural biodiversity of our Alps. If we want to maintain a stable population, we must act responsibly and scientifically sound now," says National Park Director Josef Forstinger.
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