Campaigners argue that a healthy lynx population would restore the ecosystem’s balance and would be a driver of biodiversity, resulting in a cascade effect of more trees, birds and mammals. It will source lynx for the trial while the application is being considered, and O’Donoghue said the animals could be reintroduced “as soon as practicably possible”. Paul O’Donoghue, chief scientific adviser of the Lynx UK Trust, described the cross-border site and the largest forested area in Britain as ideal because of its low human population density, limited road networks and large deer populations. The lynx offers an unparalleled opportunity for rural economic regeneration. According to O’Donoghue, the plan enjoys widespread public support, including from those living in rural areas.

Source: The Guardian July 24, 2016 14:53 UTC