Lynx tension rises as three animals found poisoned

The bodies of three lynxes have been found as new measures to ensure the survival of the big cats in Switzerland have been unveiled. It is believed the animals, a female and two young, had been poisoned.

The bodies of three lynxes have been found as new measures to ensure the survival of the big cats in Switzerland have been unveiled. It is believed the animals, a female and two young, had been poisoned.

The dead lynxes were discovered near Rougemont, in canton Vaud. Autopsies are being carried out on the corpses to establish the exact cause of death, but the cantonal authorities have already submitted a legal complaint accusing the unknown culprit of poisoning.

The news emerged as the Federal Environment Office released details of its long-term strategy to resettle the lynx in Switzerland.

It said the current population of around 100 was not large enough to guarantee the survival of the species, so it had decided to extend its territory by colonising areas where the animal is not currently found. As a first step, the lynx will be introduced into areas of north-eastern Switzerland.

The repopulation campaign has provoked anger among farmers and hunters, especially in eastern Switzerland and Ticino, where the lynx is not currently present. Last month, the severed paws of a lynx were posted to four cantonal officials from Berne and Nidwalden involved in reintroducing the animal.

Intercantonal commissions have been set up to try to assuage farmers’ fears. Losses incurred as a result of lynx attacks are paid jointly by the cantonal and federal authorities. But at the same time, it is not permitted to shoot the animals unless at least 15 sheep have been killed within a five kilometre range in a single season.

However, canton Berne has demanded that the regulations on shooting the lynx be softened, because of the serious damage being done to both wild animals and livestock.

The lynx, which became extinct in Switzerland at the end of the last century, was reintroduced in 1970. Opinion polls have consistently shown a high level of support for the move, although it has been unpopular in rural areas.

From staff and wires