Lynx Sofia Poached: Hobby Hunter Crime
Time and again, animals from fragile Swiss lynx populations are relocated abroad, where they are subsequently poached.
Lynx caught and relocated in the Canton of Jura
At the beginning of March 2023, the lynx “Sofia” was caught in the Canton of Jura in the district of Delémont and taken to a quarantine station.
After several weeks, she was transported to Italy and released, and shortly thereafter migrated to Austria.
In the summer, the carcass of the lynx Sofia was discovered in Carinthia; the animal had been poached. The killing was sharply criticised, and investigations led to a group of hobby hunters. The starting point for the investigation was the data from the animal’s tracking collar.
Bullet fragments secured
Wolfgang Begusch of the Arnoldstein Police Inspectorate: “The examination of the carcass revealed that it was an illegal killing. The data from the transmitter has been analyzed; it was possible to determine where the lynx was and where it was shot, and the time is also known.” During a forensic examination, bullet fragments were secured that originated from a hunting rifle.
Investigations against a group of hobby hunters
“A certain circle of suspects has crystallised. The investigations are very extensive, which is why they are taking time. A group of hobby hunters is under investigation.” Several mobile phones have already been seized from among the suspects, and the data is still being analyzed. If the perpetrator is convicted, they face not only a multi-year prison sentence, but also a lifelong revocation of their hunting licence.
The killing of the lynx has caused significant financial damage to the reintroduction project, with figures of up to 70’000 euros being cited. The IG Wild beim Wild systematically documents wildlife crime.
