Exciting Big Cat Discovery in the Balkans
FOC partners with the European Natural Heritage Fund, otherwise known as Euronatur, whose objective is the protection and conservation of many of Europe’s threatened wildlife, birds and their habitats. One key programme aims to secure the survival of one of the most threatened sub-species in the region, the Balkan lynx. It is thought that less than 100 individuals remain, their numbers having declined through direct persecution; falling prey populations and habitat loss.
The remaining Balkan lynx population inhabits the border areas between Macedonia and Albania and into Kosovo - an area known as the ‘Balkan Green Belt’. This is the southernmost part of the European Green Belt - an initiative driven by the IUCN (World Conservation Union) to create ‘the backbone of an ecological network’ running from the Barents to the Black Sea. This network connects National Parks, Nature Parks, Biosphere Reserves and transboundary protected areas as well as non-protected areas along or across borders and it supports regional development initiatives based on nature conservation.
The Balkan lynx Programme - an initiative conducted by Euronatur in cooperation with international experts and local partners - aimed at conserving the dwindling population, received a tremendous boost earlier this year when a camera trap in the border area between Macedonia and Albania captured the first picture of a Balkan lynx - direct evidence that this endangered subspecies of the Eurasian lynx still exists.
Whilst this is a very exciting and encouraging discovery, much needs to be done to ensure the survival of this fascinating cat and more funds are needed to assist with habitat restoration and research/monitoring activities. If you would like to help, please go to our Donation page.
|
|
|
