IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Krzywinski, A.; Kobus, A.; Adamski, A.; Brojek, J.; Ratkiewicz, M.; Matosiuk, M.; Schmidt, K. | |
| Active protection of the lowland population of the lynx in Poland | |
| 2015 Full Book | |
The project POIS.05.01.00-00-341/10 "Active protection of the lowland population of the lynx in Poland" was carried out in the years 2012-2015 in the Mazurian Lake District. It was co-financed in the framework of the Operational Programme "Infrastructure and Environment" by the European Union as well as national funds (National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management). This financial support allowed for the preparation of a complex project aimed at protecting the lynx population, threatened on the national level. Three main tasks were planned and carried out in the framework of the project, i.e.: (1) reintroduction of lynx in the Mazurian Lake District, (2) improvement of the food base of ungulates in the reintroduction area and (3) elaboration of the Northern Ecological Corridor Conservation Programme. The reintroduction of lynx carried out in the framework of this project was a natural continuation of activities initiated by Dr. Andrzej Krzywi¤ski from the Wildlife Park in Kadzidüowo, the only difference being that aside the "born to be free" method, which consists of gradual adaptation of juveniles born in captivity to the wild, lynx captured in Estonia and translocated to Poland were also released into the Mazurian forests. In this task particular emphasis was put on the monitoring of the effects of reintroduction. Aside winter tracking and information gathered on the basis of observations of lynx, more advanced monitoring methods were used such as GPS/ GSM telemetry, phototraps and genetic analysis. All objectives of this task were accomplished and data gathered in the framework of the monitoring provided valuable information for analysis and recommendations for the future. The availability of the food resources is the basis of proper functioning of any animal population. The diet of the lynx in our climate zone consists mainly of ungulates, in particular the roe-deer. Maintenance of high density of deer and roe-deer in economically exploited forests is usually in conflict with the need to safeguards the forest stands from damages made by these animals. Therefore, the task "Improvement of the food base of ungulates" was in fact not aimed at increasing the populations of deer and roe-deer, but rather at securing stable populations of these species by ensuring better access to attractive food resources, as well as by reducing the pressure of ungulates on the forest. Thus rather expensive task was implemented through several, different activities carried out in co-operation with forest services of five districts in the area under the competence of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Olsztyn. The effects of some activities are already visible and allow for the formulation of conclusions and recommendations. However, a more in-depth assessment of the effectiveness of all activities requires an adequate monitoring programme. |
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