UK Wildlife Chief Backs Lynx Return Despite Government Block

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Britain's top wildlife regulator wants lynx back in English forests within two years, but fierce opposition blocks the path forward.

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Tony Juniper from Natural England admits lynx debates remain "polarised" as activists push for trial release in Northumberland's Kielder Forest.

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These labrador-sized cats vanished from Britain centuries ago, hunted to extinction in medieval Scotland.

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European lynx populations crashed to just 700 by the 1950s but recovered to 18,000 across Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland.

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The Lynx UK Trust applied to release Swedish rescue cats in England's largest forest, but government rules block the trial.

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1. 2. Environment Secretary Steve Reed won't meet with lynx advocates despite initial warm response to reintroduction plans.

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Legal challenges loom as frustrated conservationists threaten court action over government's refusal to review applications.

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Four lynx illegally appeared in Scottish Cairngorms this January - one died, three captured and relocated to Highland Wildlife Park.

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Sheep farmers remain the biggest obstacle, with their opposition labeled "utterly futile" by lynx reintroduction campaigners.

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German lynx tourism generates millions annually, proving apex predators boost regional economies through wildlife watching.

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Scotland explores separate lynx return to Cairngorms with 100-page feasibility report consulting 53 stakeholders including farmers.

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Britain stands as one of few countries worldwide without apex predators during an ongoing biodiversity crisis.

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