The situation of the lynx ( Lynx lynx ) in Austria

Abstract

Nine wild lynx were translocated from the Carpathian Mountains to Styria between 1977 and I979 in order to reintroduce this species into the Austrian Alps. Field projects continued until 1982, when monitoring of the released animals ceased. After five years the lynx had spread as far as 120 km from the site of rc-introduction, but observations wwc few and scldom confirmed. On- ly in the district of Carinthia, where lynx activity was strongest, did the hunters' association gathcr data by means of observation report forms. Lynx reports became scarce during the 1980s, and re-in- troduction seemed to have failed. when in 19x9 a series of sheep kills by lynx in Carinthia re-acti- vated the interest of the public in the lynx, and more observations were reported. The Carinthian Ilunters' Association formed a lynx group to verify these reports. More intensive training of the men- bers of the group since 1992 has revealed that much of the information collected was not valid proof of lynx presence. There is no established lynx population in the Austrian Alps a1 present. The moat rcgiilar and reliable observations come from the original region of the releases and from wuthern Carinthia, whcrc lynx immigrating from Slovcnia may sustain the Austrian population.