LocationsThe Eurasian lynx is a mysterious and captivating species that holds the status of a strictly protected wild animal.
Eurasian Lynx monitoring draft Protocol presented in Šipovo
June 28, 2024
The Eurasian lynx once inhabited a large part of Europe. Due to human activities such as habitat destruction, prey reduction, and overhunting, the lynx disappeared from most of its European range, reaching its lowest point around 1950. In the second half of the 20th century, some European countries began efforts to protect the species, and many reintroduced it to their regions. For the same reasons as in the rest of Europe, the lynx started to become extinct in the Balkan Peninsula at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
In Šipovo, a presentation of the draft Protocol for monitoring the Eurasian lynx in the Republic of Srpska was held, along with practical training on identifying lynx tracks. This event finalized the prerequisite for preparing the Management Plan for this species in the Republic of Srpska (RS).
"This is the first protocol for monitoring the status of a species population in RS, whether it concerns wild animal species, plant species, or fungi."
Dragan Kovačević, Head of the Department for Natural Heritage at the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical, and Natural Heritage
"The goal of this Protocol is to establish a monitoring system for the Eurasian lynx in RS to collect sufficient data for the preparation of the Eurasian Lynx Management Plan. The creation of the Protocol for monitoring wild species is defined by the provisions of the Nature Protection Act of the Republic of Srpska, and the document is expected to be adopted by the relevant ministries – the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska," emphasized Dragan Kovačević.
The development of the Protocol for monitoring the Eurasian lynx is important because this mysterious and captivating species, which enjoys the status of a strictly protected wild animal, is increasingly appearing in the Republic of Srpska. The Eurasian lynx deserves greater attention from the scientific and professional community, as well as relevant institutions, to maintain the stability of its population.
“Currently, there is no systematic, scientifically-based system for collecting and processing data on the lynx population, nor is there a document (except for hunting records) to monitor the status of this species. Therefore, the current knowledge about the status and movements of this species is extremely limited."
Doc. dr. Igor Trbojević
"Monitoring is a crucial activity that will enable us to establish a continuous system for collecting data on this species. Through this process, we develop measures for conservation and management of the species, allowing us to constantly adjust activities and assess the long-term success of implemented measures," explained Igor Trbojević.
The process of preparing the lynx monitoring protocol also resulted in the creation of a practical handbook for identifying lynx tracks. During a two-day workshop in Šipovo, participants had the opportunity to experience the practical application of tracking methods on the Vitorog mountain range. The event was facilitated by expert Trbojević, with assistance from employees of the "Gorica" Forestry Enterprise and the "Tetrijeb" Hunting Association from Šipovo. Participants observed methods for tracking lynx tracks and learned techniques for collecting samples for genetic analysis of individuals.
„Recognizing the importance of this species, activities have commenced under the Sustainable Protected Areas (SPA) project to establish a long-term monitoring process for the lynx population.“
Senka Mutabdžija Bećirović, SPA project manager
"This species can be preserved if effective protection measures are ensured, including the preservation of key habitats, implementation of legally defined conservation measures, and education of experts and the public. The lynx monitoring protocol and guide serve as an excellent example for establishing such a system for other endangered wildlife species in Bosnia and Herzegovina." Senka Mutabdžija Bećirović emphasized.
Two training sessions were held in preparation for the lynx monitoring protocol in the Republic of Srpska: the first in April 2024 in Jahorina, and the second in Šipovo. Representatives from the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of RS, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of RS, Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of RS, Public Enterprise Forestry "Forests of the Republic of Srpska" a.d. Sokolac, Hunting Association of RS, representatives of hunting associations from RS, and representatives from the non-governmental organization "Ecological Research Society (EID)" from Banja Luka were involved in the development activities.
In the upcoming period, the relevant ministries (Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Srpska) will take necessary steps to adopt the prepared Protocol.
The project "Sustainability of Protected Areas" is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska (RS), the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of RS, the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of RS, as well as with managers of protected areas and partner local governments throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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