Threats to lynx population in Poland
Until 1995, hunting was the major cause of lynx mortality in Poland. Due to excessive hunting until the mid 1980’, the range of the species decreased significantly.
Lynx was exterminated i.a. in the Piska Forest and the Nidzicka Forest. Neither the introduction of strict protection in 1995 nort the hunting ban contributed to the expected spontaneous recolonization and to the increase in range with new favorable habitats. The Lynx population in Poland remains sparse (only 200 individuals) and divided into small isolated fragments.
In order to ensure lynx population survival in Poland it is crucial to take comprehensive protective measures aimed at recreating lynx metapopulation.