In a nutshell

Before LIFE Lynx, the Dinaric–SE Alpine lynx population was small, isolated, and highly inbred. The project translocated 18 healthy lynx from the Carpathians (Slovakia, Romania) to restore genetic diversity, stabilize numbers, and create a “stepping-stone” population linking the Dinaric Mountains with the Alps, securing long-term viability.

Why it matters

Without new genes, the population faced genetic collapse and a second extinction. Reinforcement has reduced inbreeding, improved resilience, and expanded range, safeguarding a keystone predator and the ecosystems it shapes.

“One unexpected but highly positive outcome was the widespread public recognition the LIFE Lynx project gained. This was amplified by the involvement of celebrity ambassadors, the production of documentary films, and the creation of two children’s books about lynx, among other outreach initiatives.” – Rok Černe

What was different

• Hunters as core partners: Not just consulted, hands-on in captures, releases, monitoring, and anti-poaching.
• Cross-border action: Experts, conservationists, researchers, and hunters from five countries worked as one team.
• Big-tent engagement: A tailored campaign with ambassadors, films, and children’s books built trust and public pride.

Achievements & impact

• 18 lynx translocated; population ~40% larger and more genetically diverse.
• Stepping-stone in the Slovenian Alps to connect Dinaric and Alpine populations.
• 1,300+ locals & students engaged; 120+ articles; 1,600+ media mentions.
• Police + hunters collaboration strengthened anti-poaching.
• Connectivity corridors integrated into national forest & hunting plans (SI).
• Influenced follow-ups (e.g., ULyCA2) and issued international guidelines for large-carnivore reinforcement.

How we worked

• Local consultative groups and the Young Lynx Guardians programme anchored community support.
• Camera traps & telemetry underpinned adaptive management.
• Pandemic workaround: Slovenian embassies helped navigate 2020–21 border restrictions to keep translocations on schedule.

Replicate in your region

• Bring all key stakeholders in early, especially hunters.
• Include every affected country from the start (next time: Austria).
• Pair clear technical protocols with open, two-way communication.

After-LIFE & what’s next

Population-level guidelines developed by LIFE Lynx are embedded in national management plans (Slovenia, Croatia) to sustain monitoring, cross-border management, and stakeholder engagement.
Next focus: Protect and restore ecological corridors to keep Dinaric and Alpine lynx genetically connected for generations.

LIFE success

Science-led translocations + trusted local partners = a genetically rescued lynx population that’s expanding, and connected across the Dinaric and Alpine arc.