Suspected Lynx Poaching in Valais
Once again, a lynx in Valais has fallen victim to suspected poaching. The cantonal hunting authority has filed a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor's office.
Due to suspected poaching of a lynx, the Valais cantonal authority for hunting, fishing and wildlife has filed a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor's office.
The lynx, which was found dead after a collision with a vehicle, had previously been shot.
Following the accident on the A9 motorway near Vernayaz VS, the carcass was sent to the Institute of Animal Pathology at the University of Bern for examination, the cantonal authority for hunting, fishing and wildlife (DJFW) announced.
While the multiple fractures caused the animal's death, the analysis revealed a wound and metal fragments most likely originating from a bullet. The DJFW points out that the lynx is a strictly protected species and that poaching one constitutes an offence prosecuted ex officio. It has therefore filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown. An investigation is underway.
Low Lynx Population in Valais
Despite favourable natural conditions, Valais has comparatively few lynxes. The reason for this is poaching in the canton. This was the conclusion reached by an international research team led by the University of Bern in a study published in June. It appears that poachers frequently target the wild cat using traps. Seventeen illegal snare traps were found in the mountains at the Rhône bend, along the lynx's migration corridor connecting Valais with the Pre-Alps.
In the Pre-Alps, the lynx population has been developing well since its reintroduction around forty years ago. By comparison, the population in the Rhône valley is around eighty percent lower, as researchers were able to determine using camera traps and tracks in the snow.
