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A lynx standing in snow, with the words 'lynx in Europe' imposed over the image

Lynx © vladimircech

Lynx were once found widely across Europe. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, they began to disappear. They suffered from the same threats that drove the British population to extinction, particularly habitat loss and hunting. By the 20th century, they had been lost from many of the countries they once called home.

Back from the brink

In the 20th century, work began to bring lynx back to some of their former homes across Europe. The very first reintroduction began in 1970. Five to ten lynx were released in the Bavaria-Bohemian Forest, which straddles Germany and the Czech Republic. This was a particularly impressive feat as, in 1970, we were in the midst of the Cold War.

Decades of success

Many reintroductions of lynx across Europe have been very successful. Over the last 50 years, expert knowledge has increased. We now understand how to manage reintroductions well and create breeding and thriving lynx populations. As a result, numbers of lynx are increasing across Europe.

The current status of lynx populations in Europe can be seen in this map. To find out more about lynx reintroductions in Europe, visit the roadshow.

map of lynx European population

The 21st century has so far seen lynx reintroductions in Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.

  • 2000-06: reintroduction of 28 lynx in the Harz mountains, Germany
  • 2001-07: reintroduction of 11 lynx in Eastern Alps, Switzerland
  • 2004-11: reintroduction of 12 lynx in the connected Pisz and Napiwonda-Ramuki Forest, Poland
  • 2011-17: release of five lynx in the Limestone Alps, Austria
  • 2012-15: release of 20 lynx in the connected Pisz and Napiwonda-Ramuki Forest, Poland
  • 2014: release of two lynx in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy
  • 2016: reintroduction of 20 lynx in the Palatinate Forest, Germany
  • 2019-21: reintroduction of 61 lynx in northwestern Poland
  • 2019: LIFElynx project releases first (out of 18) lynx in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy
  • 2023: First release of lynx into the Black Forest, Germany
  • 2024: reintroduction of up to 20 lynx in the Thuringian Forest, Germany begins
  • 2024: reintroduction of up to 20 lynx into the forests of the Ore and Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Saxony, Germany