Cairngorm farmers have reacted angrily to yesterday’s release of lynx in Badenoch.
After the Strathy broke the story last night reaction has not been slow in coming from across the community, but this morning has brought strong condemnation of the incident from Cairngorms Crofters & Farmers.
The illegal release of two Eurasian lynx happened near several members’ crofts and farms in the Kingussie area.
Robert MacDonald, chairperson of the new group, said: “We cannot emphasise enough the seriousness of this matter—both from our perspective as crofters and farmers with livestock to protect and as members of a rural community that values safe and accessible countryside.
“This illegal release, which took place in Drumguish Woods, is a blatant disregard for the residents of Kingussie and the surrounding area.
“It has placed our livestock at immediate risk of predation and has created anxiety within our community. And, crucially, the welfare of the lynx themselves appears to have been completely overlooked, as such actions could have exposed the animals to starvation, injury, or conflict in an unfamiliar environment.
“The release of any species must strictly adhere to the Translocation Code and comply with all national and international laws. Such actions require the full co-operation of those who manage the land and whose livelihoods will be most affected.”
Mr MacDonald went on: “A comprehensive mitigation plan must also be in place prior to any release to ensure that those impacted are confident their lives and livelihoods will not suffer harm.
Robert MacDonald, chairperson of the new Cairngorms Farmers and Crofters Community
“The damage caused by unregulated beaver releases in Tayside over the past 20 years serves as a stark warning. We must not allow similar harm to occur with any other species reintroduction, particularly without proper consultation and preparation.”
The group are now calling on authorities to take immediate action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the illegal release.
“Such reckless actions undermine the trust and co-operation necessary for any wildlife conservation efforts, endanger rural livelihoods, and compromise the welfare of the animals involved.
“The Cairngorms Crofters & Farmers Community stands united with the local community in demanding accountability and safeguards to prevent incidents like this from happening again, and thanks the Highland Wildlife Park, and all others involved in their re-capture, for their sterling efforts”.