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Myslajek, R.W.; Nowak, S.
Eurasian lynx in the Carpathian part of the Silesian province
2004  Przyroda G¢rnego Slaska (38): 10-11

The Silesian province encompass the westernmost part of Polish Carpathians (ca. 1600 km2), situated on the border with Slovakia and Czech Republic. Polish non-governmental organizations conducted intensive campaign for the lynx protection since beginning of 90s of 20th century. In 1994, they prompted local authorities to reduce a hunting season for lynx to one day in a former Bielsko-Biaüa province, the area which is now incorporated mainly into Silesian province. One year later (1995) Eurasian lynx became strictly protected species in the entire Poland. Before protection, in the Carpathian part of Silesian province, 1-3 individuals were killed by hunters annually. In the Silesian province lynx occurs only in its Carpathian part, mostly in mountain ranges along Polish-Slovakian border. The survey conducted in winter 2000/01 revealed 10 individuals, which live in the îywiecki Landscape Park and the Silesian Beskid Landscape Park. Preliminary studies on lynx diet, conducted in 1997-2002, found that among their prey (n=18) the roe deer (_Capreolus capreolus_) prevails (83%) and the red deer _(Cervus elaphus)_ is taken much less (17%). Only one case of depredation on sheep was recorded. The lynx population in the Silesian province is threatened mostly by the disruption of ecological corridors due urbanization and development of transport infrastructure; habitat fragmentation and intensive development of tourist infrastructure.

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