Technicians from the Life LynxConect project ‘Creation of a genetically and demographically functional Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) metapopulation (2020-2025)’, carried out an exchange trip during the second week of June, to learn about the field experiences in the research and conservation of the northern lynx within the LIFE Lynx project ‘Prevention of the extinction of the Dinaric-SE alpine lynx population through long-term reinforcement and conservation’. The meeting also provided an opportunity to share the management measures carried out in Andalusia.

The exchange of experiences between regions and projects was also attended by technicians from: Lifescape (UK), Rewilding Apennines (IT), Wolf in Carinthia (AUT), Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (MCD, ALB), Steirischen Landesjägerschaft (AUT), and also from Maiella National Park (IT), CUFAA (IT), Austrian Hunters organisation (AUT).

At the DINA Visitor Centre in Pivka https://www.dinapivka the different project teams shared in their presentations the methodologies and tools developed in the projects, LYNXCONNECT presented the management measures carried out within the more than 20 years of LIFE projects, which have resulted in a considerable increase of the lynx population (from 94 in 2002 to 1100 in 2020) and the consequent downward revision of the species’ threat status by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

During the field visits, some measures and solutions to problems that could affect the different projects were evaluated. Local sheep and cattle farmers talked about damage prevention, mainly supported by guard dogs and electric fences.
There was also a visit to the Triglav National Park and a meeting with a PNT ranger provided first-hand knowledge of the forestry, hunting and livestock management carried out in the protected area; during the tour it was interesting to learn how the lynx population is monitored by photo-trapping, as well as the systems for capturing and marking roe deer, the main prey of the boreal lynx in the area, to better understand their population dynamics and use of the area.

In Pokljuka it was a local hunter who explained to the members of the different projects how hunters participate in the conservation of large carnivores in the area: bears, wolves and lynxes in Gorenjska.

Networking with other conservation projects has been a powerful tool for learning and joint enrichment in any species conservation project in general and feline conservation in particular. The replicability and transferability of products and lessons learned, the sustainability of results and the development of techniques, methodologies and tools that maximise effectiveness and minimise costs are elements of utmost importance in conservation projects in general, and in LIFE projects in particular.