Lynx are definitely a controversial topic in the rewilding/conservation scene. Introducing them into the Uk would mean adding Europe's 3rd largest Apex Predator to ecosystems and communities that have not experienced one for hundreds of years.

There are many fears from Landowners and Farmers that these Big Cats could have an adverse effect on their livelihoods and Well-being. Current campaigns from the likes of the Lynx UK Trust have support from activists and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country but struggle to garner support from those in the proposed areas of introduction; those who would be directly affected.

In Scotland however, there is an already present cat that is facing extinction, the Scottish Wildcat. There is understandable distaste towards introducing another feline when one is already slipping through the country's fingers. Bringing up the question of when is a previously native species no longer native.

The lynx could easily be the first step to reviving our long lost Apex predators, namely the Eurasian Wolf and Ursus arctos (the Brown Bear), and would open the door to the idea that we are able to coexist with predators like a majority of countries already do.

The Eurasian Lynx hunt independently, live in woodland and scarcely interact with civilization unless threatened. They mainly prey on rabbits, foxes, rodents and deer but are known to take livestock if food supplies are low. One of the main cases for its reintroduction is how it would affect these prey populations. Lync like many predators rule their ecosystems through the ecology of fear. They mark and cache their food throughout their territories alerting prey to their presence, forcing them to move on and preventing overgrazing. This allows habitats to develop, allowing new plants to emerge. The Lynx would also reduce the number of prey dramatically, especially Roe Deer whom are one of the largest culprits of overgrazing and are often culled by humans.

The woodlands in the Scottish Highlands have been deemed appropriate for the Lynx and have been estimated to be able to support around 400. It seems the biggest hurdle to their reintroduction will be educating the public on how Apex Predators work and influence an ecosystem so that farmers and city goers alike understand the importance they hold.

And finally, as with any rewilding project in the present day, Lynx would undoubtedly attract visitors and tourists to the area they were introduced to. Although this is never the main aim of a rewilding/conservation project, it does give financial merit to ideas that definitely incentive those making the important decisions.