while in spain lynx A highly protected species with hefty fines and even jail sentences for those who cause the death of one of these animals, things are the other way around in Sweden. country government just allowed hunting of 201 specimens of this species, a figure that doubled last year. This decision came after the Scandinavian country had ratified it just a few weeks ago. The biggest wolf massacre in recent history.
The government decision surprised experts and ordinary citizens alike, who thought that these cats pose no threat to humans or livestock, for no other reason than to obtain hunting trophies. In fact, Swedish hunting association Svenska Jägareförbundet told the newspaper: Guardian HE “This hunt was certainly not justified by any danger to humans.. Nor is hunting wolves: there are no documented cases of wolves attacking humans in modern Swedish times.”
“Lynx hunting is more about fun, and for some hunters, of course, fur is their motivation,” he added.
The Eurasian lynx is Europe’s third largest predator after the brown bear and wolf, and is one of the most widely distributed wild cat species.
Food shortages, inbreeding, habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and poaching fur hunters have caused their populations to increase. on the verge of extinction at the beginning of the last century, but conservation efforts have seen the species recover. However, they remain critically endangered and their number is decreasing so much so that they could become the first cat species to go extinct.
Last month, a team of environmentalistsThe lynx population in France has been reduced to around 120-150 adults. They also estimated that the genetic diversity of cats was so low that they could become extinct in the country within the next 30 years. DNA analysis of the animals showed that the French lynx had the genetic diversity of an effective population of just 38 animals.
compared, Sweden has a larger population estimated at around 1,450 animals.but still, and all this figure is less than 300 copies compared to ten years ago.
According to animal rights group Svenska Rovdjursföreningen, the new allowed hunting quota is unethical and unsustainable. they point to it this hunt “begins right in the middle of the lynx’s short mating season.”this is a clear violation of the EU Habitats Directive.” Hunters use dogs to scare the lynx from hiding and trying to escape into trees where they are easy targets.
Lynx named Sweden’s most popular carnivore, according to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Svenska Rovdjursföreningen has launched a campaign to end this brutal trophy hunt.
Also hunting wolves
Moreover, in January, wolf hunting began in the same country, although their population was clearly threatened. State 75 specimens allowed to be huntedThe highest number allowed since the disappearance of wolves from this country in the 1960s.
Since the arrival of three wolves from Finland and Russia and the birth of the first cub in 1983, the number of wolves in Sweden has continued to increase. reaching 460 animals in the last censusAccording to the news of Le Monde newspaper, it was held in the winter of 2021-2022. Its population is considered too large by the hunters and breeders organization, which believes that culling 75 wolves will not be enough.
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Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]