Translocation

Press Release Ministry for Agriculture, Viticulture, Environment and Forestry of Rhineland-Palatinate, 23 June 2026 :

 

For the first time since the completion of the LIFE lynx reintroduction project (2016–2021), a lynx has once again been released into the wild in Rhineland-Palatinate. The male lynx, named Koda, originates from a dedicated breeding programme for lynx intended for reintroduction into natural habitats, in which Nuremberg Zoo is a participating institution. Through a joint initiative of the Nature and Environment Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate (SNU) and the Forest Research Institute Rhineland-Palatinate (FAWF), the long-term goal is to safeguard the genetic diversity of the lynx population in the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve. The Alosa Foundation has assumed sponsorship of Koda.

“The return of the lynx to the Palatinate Forest is a remarkable conservation success. Forestry, hunting, livestock farming and nature conservation organisations have worked together exemplary well in this project. It is now essential to lay the foundations that will ensure this success is sustained for generations to come,” said Christine Schneider, Minister for Agriculture and the Environment and Chairwoman of the Board of the Nature and Environment Foundation Rhineland-Palatinate.

Koda was born at Nuremberg Zoo in May 2025. In February of this year, he was transferred to a coordination enclosure at Karlsruhe Zoo, where he was prepared for his release into the wild. “We are delighted that a lynx born in Nuremberg is now contributing to the conservation of Europe’s largest wild cat in the Palatinate Forest. This release once again highlights the important role that modern zoos play in nature conservation and species protection,” said Jörg Beckmann, Head Biologist and Deputy Director of Nuremberg Zoo.

The lynx breeding programme is coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and the Linking Lynx Network. In the medium term, Koda is expected to mate with female lynx in the Palatinate Forest population, thereby introducing valuable genetic diversity into the existing population.

The lynx population in the biosphere reserve originated from approximately 20 founder animals. Although the population initially developed positively, a series of chance events—including the premature loss of released females and a lack of successful reproduction—has increased the risk of inbreeding. Cases of related individuals mating and the occurrence of non-viable offspring have already been documented.

“To counter this development, one to two genetically suitable lynx will be released annually over the next five years,” explained Christine Schneider. “The genetic development of the population will be closely monitored, and if necessary, the project can be extended for a further ten years.”

The integration and reproductive success of the released animals will be assessed through telemetry and genetic monitoring. Systematic collection and analysis of scat, hair and tissue samples will provide valuable insights into genetic diversity and kinship structures within the population, forming the scientific basis for future releases. Release sites will be selected according to current circumstances and management needs. The project’s effectiveness and any additional conservation measures required will be formally evaluated every five years.