Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess has welcomed a new campaign encouraging people to have their say on the possible reintroduction of lynx to the Highlands.
The campaign has been launched by the Lynx to Scotland partnership and aims to build public understanding and support around bringing the species back to Scotland.
Ms Burgess previously lodged amendments to the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Natural Environment Scotland Bill that would have supported reintroduction, but those proposals were not backed by ministers.
Supporters argue that reintroducing lynx could play a key role in restoring biodiversity by helping to reduce the impact of deer browsing on woodland regeneration.
Research from the Lynx to Scotland project suggests the Highlands could, over time, support a population of around 400 wild lynx.
Ms Burgess said the campaign was a vital opportunity for public engagement.
“This is a really important campaign and I will be encouraging my constituents to take part and to support it.
“Scotland is one of the most nature depleted countries on earth and if we are to turn things around it will need action.
“Reintroducing the lynx can be an important step on that journey.”
She said the species could help rebalance ecosystems while supporting tree planting and habitat recovery.
“These iconic wildcats are wonderful, but they also do a lot of vital work in changing the movement of their prey.
“That allows us to plant more trees in areas where deer are currently browsing.
“Campaigns like this are really important in addressing concerns that people may have.
“Lynx are very shy animals and are far more likely to move away from people rather than approaching them.
“Ministers still have time to back my amendments to reintroduce the lynx and campaigns like this are crucial to building support.”
Ms Burgess said recent years had seen constructive dialogue with stakeholders about the potential benefits.
“Over the last few years there have been very positive and constructive national conversations to address concerns and highlight the ecological benefits that lynx can bring.
“The climate and nature emergencies are interlinked.
“By working together we can restore our world renowned nature and take steps to bring native species like lynx back into our great outdoors.”
