Collaboration

Linking Lynx Conference 2026

On 18 and 19 March 2026, numerous lynx experts gathered for the second Linking Lynx Conference at the Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia. They shared new insights and, working in six dedicated groups, discussed various aspects of their work. They also defined the next steps, all aiming to establish a viable metapopulation of Carpathian lynx in Central and Western Europe.

Around 50 participants attended the one-and-a-half-day conference in Zvolen. The plenary keynote was delivered by Karin Norén from Stockholm University, who spoke about gene flow between small, reintroduced populations, using the Arctic fox as an example.

In addition, the working groups met separately to exchange updates on their progress and to discuss challenges and future actions. In the plenary session, the main challenges and next steps were then consolidated. A recurring key theme was connectivity and its crucial importance for the long-term survival of lynx populations. As a next step, the establishment of an additional working group on connectivity is being considered. In addition, possible solutions were discussed to address the challenge that several reintroduction projects reported a need for lynx within a similar timeframe

The Linking Lynx network would like to thank all participants and organisers for a successful conference.

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