Karlsruhe relies on lynx protection: reintroduction project starts now!

Karlsruhe relies on lynx protection: reintroduction project starts now!

At Karlsruhe Zoo, lynxes are currently being prepared for their release into the wild in order to increase their chances of survival in the wild. The planned release enclosure in Karlsruhe's Oberwald will cover an area of ​​around 5,000 square meters and is currently under construction. The enclosure is scheduled to be completed in spring 2024, and the first lynxes will then move in. This project aims to secure the population of the Carpathian lynx, which has become rare in Central Europe.

The enclosure will be placed in a local recreation area, well hidden and equipped with an external fence that keeps people at least 50 meters away and an internal electric fence. The keepers can work behind a privacy screen so as not to disturb the shy animals. Up to eight young animals can live in this enclosure, but are not fed live animals. Instead, they are given entire carcasses from hunters to learn how to break open. These lynxes have a natural hunting instinct, but do not need to learn to hunt themselves. Due to the high mortality rate of young animals in nature, they are only released into the wild when they are independent and physically fit.

Details about the release

Veterinary examinations of lynxes include general condition, joints, teeth and claws, as well as vaccinations against various diseases. A worrying incident occurred with Finja, the first female lynx released into the wild in Baden-Württemberg, who was found in poor condition in July 2024 and had to be euthanized. She had contracted the rare infectious disease distemper, probably through contact with a fox. The Carpathian lynx was widespread in Europe over 200 years ago, but has been decimated by human persecution and habitat loss. There are currently only two wild male lynxes and a female lynx who was released in November living in the Black Forest. The Karlsruhe enclosure costs 350,000 euros and is the second of its kind in Germany. Up to ten lynxes, primarily females, are to be released there by 2027 in order to secure and expand the population in the country.

The “Lynx in Baden-Württemberg” project started in autumn 2023 with the aim of supporting the lynx population. How Baden-Württemberg.de reported, it is crucial that female lynx migrate to the region, as they have not yet been recorded. A working group that was set up in 2004 has studied the subject of lynxes in detail. The project is financed through budget funds and donations from WWF and HIT-Umweltstiftung, and collaboration with partners such as the State Hunting Association and Karlsruhe Zoo has been established.

The release of up to ten female lynxes into the wild in the Black Forest is planned. The project will run for four years and follows the approach of transparent exchange and dialogue with hunters, farmers and animal owners. According to previous experience, lynxes do not cause any problems for livestock farmers or forest visitors and enjoy positive feedback from the population.

The Karlsruhe enclosure, which is looked after by veterinary care from Karlsruhe Zoo, has also had successes in the past. Six months ago, two male lynxes were born there and were discovered through camera footage.

– Submitted by West-East media