Lynx a step closer to re introduction?

[llamedos]

The Lynx UK Trust has submitted an application to Natural England to carry out a trial reintroduction of six Eurasian lynx in the Kielder Forest region of Northumberland. The trust said it is the first time an application has ever been made in the UK for this species or any other apex predator

Read more at http://www.devonlive.com/wild-lynx-...0443651-detail/story.html#rZBIChYGLy6g3S1Z.99

 

[llamedos]

This was from Nat sheep a few weeks ago.

Current legislation will not allow proposed lynx release, warns NSA
3rd July 2017

With rumours abound of an imminent application by Lynx UK Trust for a release licence for lynx, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is warning that current legislation would not allow such a release to take place.

NSA understands that Eurasian lynx are classed as dangerous wild animals under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and it would therefore be a criminal offence to keep them without a local authority licence. Currently, these licences are only available for zoo and captive animals, not for those being released into the wild.

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “It is still not clear when the Lynx UK Trust will make an application for a release licence for lynx, but it has become clear there would need to be a change in current legislation to keep such a release legal. In my opinion, this is very unlikely to happen in the near future given the raft of priority legislative work needing to be done after the Great Repeal Bill.”

Current law would also allow farmers to legally shoot lynx causing distress to their animals. NSA understands Lynx UK Trust is working to get this law changed to give protection to released lynx, meaning the only option for farmers whose livestock had been killed or injured by lynx would be to seek compensation from the trust. NSA is opposed to this as it is unlikely that compensation funding could be guaranteed in perpetuity.

Phil continues: “We are confident current legislation will not facilitate a release and any appetite for a regulatory change at a time when there will be so many other priorities is unjustifiable. Even if compensation were offered, it will not make sheep mortalities acceptable and, given the general public’s reaction to some of the harrowing images caused by domestic dog attacks and their expectation of high animal welfare, I cannot see how distressing attacks caused by a wild animal will be accepted.

“We are confident that pastoral livestock farming already delivers a highly attractive countryside with environmental, economic and social benefits - I cannot accept that lynx could improve or deliver anything more. NSA has also secured confirmation that irrespective of which side of the border any release is planned for in Kielder Forest, Northumberland, any licence application to either Scottish Natural Heritage or Natural England will be considered jointly before any decision is made.

“NSA is fully opposed to all Lynx UK Trust’s processes and proposals around releasing lynx. The species has been absent from the UK for thousands of years, and our countryside now is far too fragmented and built up to support a viable population of lynx. The species would challenge the way our countryside is managed, a countryside which is already valued and appreciated by rural residents and visitors alike.

 

[roscoe erf]

The Lynx UK Trust has submitted an application to Natural England to carry out a trial reintroduction of six Eurasian lynx in the Kielder Forest region of Northumberland. The trust said it is the first time an application has ever been made in the UK for this species or any other apex predator

Read more at http://www.devonlive.com/wild-lynx-...0443651-detail/story.html#rZBIChYGLy6g3S1Z.99

will they eat badger

 

[AvonValleyFarmer]

will they eat badger

Obviously not... They're protected

 

[topground]

https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/rewilding-again.178696/page-2#post-3985104

NSA picking up on advice found on TFF?

 

[llamedos]

https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/rewilding-again.178696/page-2#post-3985104

NSA picking up on advice found on TFF?

I knew one member had posted similar, but could not recall who, even did a search before I posted the link.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

Obviously not... They're protected

They may have a little nibble though

 

[roscoe erf]

They may have a little nibble though

lets hope they don't cross breed

 

[llamedos]

NSA rejects procedures behind Lynx UK Trust release licence application

With Lynx UK Trust having submitted a formal application to Natural England for a release licence for lynx into Kielder Forest, Northumberland, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is continuing to raise serious concerns around processes and proposals adopted by the body.

Responding to the announcement, NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “NSA has been strongly opposed to what Lynx UK Trust is calling a pilot release since its inception, with serious concerns around the way the organisation conducted its consultation process to questions around whether current law would even allow such a release to take place.

“Clearly NSA is opposed to lynx because of the predatory threat the species pose to sheep, but our argument is far more wide reaching than that. The subjects of food security within an uncertain climate, protected species status and land use balance are subjects that need fully debating and pulling together. Any piecemeal sanctioning of small projects which are part of a much wider debate that has not yet been properly conducted would be irresponsible and inexcusable. It is almost inconceivable that once released the lynx would ever be removed and therefore we don't accept this is a pilot project, it is a release.”

NSA has voiced its concerns to Lynx UK Trust, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage with Kielder Forest falling on both sides of the border. It will continue to oppose the proposals, particularly as NSA does not feel Lynx UK Trust’s consultation process is a true representation of residents and businesses in the Kielder area.

Phil continues: “The consultation process adopted by Lynx UK Trust appears flawed and misleading. NSA is led to believe stakeholders have been given less than adequate opportunity to have their say, as in NSAs view the group has made inconsistent and selective efforts to publicise meetings. In my mind if lynx were to be released in Kielder, the opinions of people living and earning from that area should carry far greater weight than those of someone living 300 miles away. It is the local people that are the real stakeholders.

“This country is a very different place to what it was 1,300 years ago and NSA does not believe we have enough largescale, suitable habitat to support the minimum population of 250 lynx that is needed for true genetic sustainability. Animal welfare and disease biosecurity, as well as unconsidered changes in ecology if we were to see pastoral farming decline, also present huge problems. We stand to lose the beauty of an area like Kielder if farming, grazing and human activity cannot continue as it has done for centuries in this area.”

 

[Lili]

Just heard some 'learned scientist' on the radio about this. Apparently all the farmers are going to make their fortunes from the millions that the eco tourists will bring into the area.

 

[It was already broken.]

How much is a lynx pelt worth?

 

[Old Tip]

Just heard some 'learned scientist' on the radio about this. Apparently all the farmers are going to make their fortunes from the millions that the eco tourists will bring into the area.

Yeah and the daft thing is folk believe such shite

 

[ThatsSomeSheep]

Heard on radio today.

Apparently the proposed release site is in England (just) and therefore the license application had been submitted to the English authorities.

However, the Lynx people have always previously said they would simultaneously apply to authorities on this side of the border - given the high likelihood of Wild animals going walk about.

To date, No application has been lodged in Scotland.

My guess is that should the English release go ahead (as unlikely as that may be) it would be open season on any Lynx that set foot in Scotland as an illegal alien species.

BooooooM Baby!

TSS

 

[llamedos]

Heard on radio today.

Apparently the proposed release site is in England (just) and therefore the license application had been submitted to the English authorities.

However, the Lynx people have always previously said they would simultaneously apply to authorities on this side of the border - given the high likelihood of Wild animals going walk about.

To date, No application has been lodged in Scotland.

My guess is that should the English release go ahead (as unlikely as that may be) it would be open season on any Lynx that set foot in Scotland as an illegal alien species.

BooooooM Baby!

TSS

Such a shame for the animals though, why oh why put them through this in the first place just for some stupid ill conceived idea. They should never be allowed near them, they have no concern for any animals welfare imo

 

[Nithsdale]

Heard on radio today.

Apparently the proposed release site is in England (just) and therefore the license application had been submitted to the English authorities.

However, the Lynx people have always previously said they would simultaneously apply to authorities on this side of the border - given the high likelihood of Wild animals going walk about.

To date, No application has been lodged in Scotland.

My guess is that should the English release go ahead (as unlikely as that may be) it would be open season on any Lynx that set foot in Scotland as an illegal alien species.

BooooooM Baby!

TSS

Was just about to post something similar...

SNH is quite concerned about the likelihood the Lynx would cross the border into Scotland.

Not sure if they are concerned for the Lynx, or for Scottish farmers, mind

 

[ThatsSomeSheep]

Such a shame for the animals though, why oh why put them through this in the first place just for some stupid ill conceived idea. They should never be allowed near them, they have no concern for any animals welfare imo

Chap today said each Lynx would only kill 0.4 sheep per year - I kid you not, that is what these muppets believe!

Apparently they are only proposing 6 Lynx inittialy, so we would only have to lose 2.8 sheep, and even that shouldn't be a concern as farmers will be adequately compensated for proven losses!!

TSS

 

[Nithsdale]

Chap today said each Lynx would only kill 0.4 sheep per year - I kid you not, that is what these muppets believe!

Apparently they are only proposing 6 Lynx inittialy, so we would only have to lose 2.8 sheep, and even that shouldn't be a concern as farmers will be adequately compensated for proven losses!!

TSS

Can they show us all what 0.4 of dead sheep looks like??

I'm no mathematician or rocket scientist... but I see that as 1 whole sheep.

 

[ThatsSomeSheep]

Can they show us all what 0.4 of dead sheep looks like??

I'm no mathematician or rocket scientist... but I see that as 1 whole sheep.

Too true !

TSS

 

[Wendy10]

I heard this on the radio today too. What really puzzles me is, as the last Lynx in Britain was killed 1300 years ago, why have we got a UK Lynx Trust?

 

[yellowbelly]

Heard on radio today.

I heard it too, World at One, R4............
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08xxddf
Starts at 42:15
According to the "expert" we apparently live in "one of the least bio-diverse countries in the world" and releasing lynx will "generate 10's of millions of pounds for rural economies"
FFS. Just 2 of the gems he came out with