Lynx population grows slightly in northeastern Switzerland

The latest lynx monitoring by KORA, the Swiss Centre of Competence for Predator Ecology and Wildlife Management, shows that the density of the lynx population in northeastern Switzerland has increased slightly compared to the last survey.

At 70 locations in northeastern Switzerland, two camera traps each were set up for 60 days during last winter. Images of the elusive predators were collected in the cantons of St. Gallen, Zurich, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Based on their characteristic coat patterns, 17 independent lynxes and eight to ten young animals were identified.

From the collected data, KORA calculated a lynx density of 2.53 animals per 100 square kilometres. Lynxes in the Oberland had already shown increased activity the previous winter. In 2017, lynx B132 even gained international recognition. The animal, born in the Tössstock area, was captured in the Italian Trentino region. It had covered more than 200 kilometres.

Outlook for Switzerland

According to KORA, there were 30 lynx losses in 2017, compared to just ten in 2010. “The rising number of losses is a result of having more and more predators in the country,” says Fridolin Zimmermann of KORA. In 2010, an estimated 130 independent animals still lived in Switzerland. The most recent estimate already puts the figure at around 200 animals.

Around 16 percent of all lynxes found so far have fallen victim to poachers, with the actual number likely much higher. The most common cause of death is road accidents, which account for every third loss. More on wildlife and biodiversity.