Predator Cat Reintroduction Plan Sparks Debate Over Livestock, Regulations, and Public Acceptance

Wildlife organizations are advocating for the reintroduction of a predator cat species into the UK, despite concerns about potential impacts. Tony Juniper, the chair of Natural England, the government's wildlife regulator, expressed strong support for their return. The Lynx UK Trust has put forward a proposal for a trial reintroduction.

Although these predators are not considered a threat to humans, worries exist regarding potential attacks on livestock. The animals are known to prey on deer and rabbits, raising concerns among farmers. The trust had previously proposed introducing lynx rescued from culls in Sweden into the Kielder forest in Northumberland. However, this plan was previously blocked by Natural England due to regulations from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which considers it illegal under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.

Campaigners have suggested compensating farmers for any losses and highlighted that there are no farms located within the Kielder forest. The Lynx UK Trust believes that legal adjustments could facilitate a safe release. However, the environment secretary has not responded to requests for a meeting. The trust is considering legal action if the government does not reconsider its stance. Defra has stated its commitment to nature restoration and protection, working with Natural England on species reintroductions.

Juniper emphasized that the success of reintroduction hinges more on social factors and community attitudes than on ecological considerations such as food availability or habitat size. The predatory cat species once inhabited Britain but was driven to extinction during medieval times. By the 1950s, the European population had dwindled to only 700 individuals. However, reintroduction efforts in countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland have led to a current population of approximately 18,000 across the continent.