Status and distribution of the lynx in the Swiss Alps 2000–2004

Abstract

To evaluate the 2000–2004 status of lynx in the Swiss Alps, we outlined the trend within the large carnivore management compartments and estimated the number of lynx present. Throughout Switzerland all reports of lynx signs of presence were collected and classified according to their reliability. From 2000–2004, more than 2000 signs of lynx presence were recorded from the Swiss Alps. The trend of the confirmed records collected over all of Switzerland showed that (1) the lynx population in the North-western Alps decreased compared to the previous pen- tad but nevertheless this compartment remained the area with the highest lynx density within Switzerland, (2) in the Valaisand Central Switzerland West the trend is slightly positive, (3) due to the translocation project, the distribution of lynx in the Swiss Alps has considerably increased and (4) that there is still good lynx habitat yet to be colonised in the Swiss Alps. To estimate the number of lynx, we used findings from systematic camera trap sessions and a radio-telemetry study as well as our expert guess. We estimated the number of lynx in 2004 at 60–90 individuals. Compared to the previous pentad, when the number of lynx in the Swiss Alps was estimated at 70, the number of lynx remained fairly stable. An expansion in the total distribution was compensated for by a decrease in the North-western Alps.