Public support is growing for reintroducing the lynx to Scotland, according to a new opinion poll published on Wednesday.
The poll, conducted by Survation in January for the Lynx to Scotland Partnership, coincides with an open letter sent to First Minister John Swinney that has the support of 20 organisations.
It shows support for the return of lynx to Scotland has increased to 61% – a rise of nine points since the last such survey in 2020.
Just 13% of respondents were opposed – a drop of six points.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, one of the charities involved, said: “This poll shows that growing numbers of Scots want to see lynx reintroduced and understand that the benefits of their return outweigh any problems they might cause.
“A carefully managed lynx reintroduction would make Scotland’s natural world richer and stronger, providing wider benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience and economic prosperity.”
The poll comes after four lynx were captured in the Cairngorms after being illegally released near Kingussie in the Highlands.
The wild cats, believed to be around a year old, were taken to the Highland Wildlife Park in Aviemore, where they were held in quarantine before being taken to Edinburgh Zoo. One of the wild cats has since died.
Questions remain over how the animals came to be released in the wild and who is responsible.
Earlier this month, Swinney said his government will not allow a legal release of lynx or other large carnivores in Scotland.
The First Minister was quizzed on his rewilding policies as he spoke to the National Farmers Union Scotland AGM.
But the open letter to Swinney calls into question his judgement in dismissing lynx reintroduction.
Peter Cairns, head of rewilding at Scotland: The Big Picture, said: “Last month’s abandonment of lynx in the Cairngorms was reckless, and such acts are certainly not the way to achieve the return of a lost species to Scotland.
“But none of us can understand why this has led the First Minister to rush to turn his back on any proposal that could reintroduce this important species in a sensible and well-managed way.
“Considering the surging support for the return of lynx, and the efforts being made to ensure that this would be done properly in line with best practice, the First Minister appears out of step with public opinion, and we urge him to reconsider his position.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Government does not intend to reintroduce lynx or any other large carnivorous species into Scotland, because of the potential for negative impacts on farms and rural communities.”
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