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Krofel, M.
Does lynx in Slovenia face another extinction?
2005 Svet ptic (11): 16-17
In Slovenia, the Eurasian lynx (_Lynx lynx_) went extinct at the beginning of the 20th century. The main reason was probably the deterioration of its prey base, since most of the ungulate species were almost completely exterminated at the time. Reintroduction took place in 1973, when three pairs were brought from Rudohorje Mts. (nowadays Slovakia) and released in the KoŠevska area of Southern Slovenia. The reintroduction was one of the most successful in Europe and the lynx population soon expanded also into neighbouring countries. However, in the recent years the population in Slovenia seems to be decreasing. The main reason has not been identified yet, but the profound decrease in numbers of prey populations, especially roe and red deer, in the last decade may represent an important factor. Other possible causes are inbreeding depression and illegal hunting, however the extent of both is currently unknown. In addition, some people argue that the expanding wolf population also has a strong effect on the negative trend of the lynx population.
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