We’re releasing a lynx back into the wild

Introduction

The Eurasian lynx is Europe’s largest wild cat, known for its distinctive spotted fur, incredible senses and shy nature. They were once widespread throughout Europe, commanding territories up to four times the size of Barcelona, but habitat destruction and fur hunting meant the wild cat has been completely extinct in Germany and other parts of Europe since 1850. In mission 7 we ventured into the Harz National Park to bring them back.

The Mission

Germany’s lynx population is critically endangered, but thanks to the tireless efforts of environmentalists in the country’s national parks, this important wildcat is making a comeback after 150 years.

Enter Ole Anders and his team, who are protecting the growing wild lynx population in the Harz forest. Together with the Planet Wild community, we funded 30 wildlife cameras that will allow Ole to continue to monitor the lynx as their territory grows.

Mission Video

Debrief

Our Partner

Ole Anders

Harz National Park

For more than 20 years, Ole has been heading the Lynx reintroduction program in the Harz mountains. Just two years after the program began, Ole was able to report the first wild birth of a baby lynx in German territory in over 150 years. Since then, the population has grown to almost 100 animals to date. The ultimate goal of the Harz Lynx project is to expand the lynx’s territory enough to connect it with the other lynx projects in Germany.

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