Edward Mountain MSP condemns illegal release of lynx to the Cairngorms

Edward Mountain has spoken out several times over the past two days to condemn the release of two pairs of lynx to the Killiehuntly area of the Cairngorms, which he considers to be ‘guerilla rewilding’.

The Highlands and Islands MSP commented that a second release of a pair of the animals would suggest a ‘concerted approach’ to illegally reintroduce them, which would be ‘a very serious wildlife crime’.

Edward Mountain’s comments come after his question to the First Minister at FMQs on Thursday, in which he highlighted the ‘reckless’ abandonment of a first pair of lynx on Wednesday afternoon. The First Minister agreed with Edward Mountain, and confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs would be happy to meet with him to further discuss the matter.

Today, Edward Mountain again offered his best wishes to all those involved in the efforts to capture the second pair.

The alarm was raised at 4:20 on Wednesday afternoon, and the animals have since been successfully captured by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. They did not escape from the nearby Highland Wildlife Park. Police Scotland then received reports of two more lynx near Killiehuntly at 07:10 on Friday morning.

A video clip of Edward Mountain speaking at FMQs on the matter is available here: https://fb.watch/x0HheH3sBv/

After the first release of a pair of lynx, Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said:

“The release of these lynx was not only reckless and ignorant, but also illegal.

“There is a reason why the reintroduction of species is carefully regulated, and those responsible must be caught and face the full force of the law.

“If these lynx were not caught, it is likely that they would have died. I am relieved that the animals are safe, but it is important that we recognise the significance of this serious wildlife crime.

“I am pleased that the First Minister joined me in thanking all those involved in the efforts to capture the animals, and I look forward to meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs to discuss my constituents’ concerns on this topic further.”

After the second release, Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said:

“It appears there may be a further release of lynx into the Cairngorms.

“If this is true, this would suggest a concerted approach to illegally reintroduce Lynx.

“These animals cannot magically appear, and the authorities should be tackling this wildlife crime with an absolute focus of finding out who is responsible.

“The public should follow the advice of Police Scotland.

“I sincerely hope that the animals are captured as soon as possible, and again extend my thanks and good wishes to all those involved in efforts to safely capture the lynx.”