WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?
The project has three main aims – lynx population monitoring, preparation of a lynx conservation strategy at a population level, and cooperation with stakeholders (especially hunters, foresters and landowners, who often have direct contact with lynx). Conservation strategy planning has defined phases that consist of gathering data about the species, analysing the threats, preparing an action plan, and then implementing this plan and monitoring its efficiency. Therefore, we will establish regular monitoring schemes with processes to share data between states, which is necessary for evaluating population-level conservation measures. We will engage in broad discussion with stakeholders, which is vital for a viable conservation strategy. In the end, we will ensure governmental commitment to the strategy, which helps in long-term enforcement of the issue.
As first step, we will establish transnational common ground for lynx monitoring and management. We will create on-line lynx monitoring database and data analysis software that enables easy and safe transnational sharing of data. We will summarize different methodological approaches to population-level lynx monitoring and we will choose the best for each population. By the end of year 2017, regional pilot monitoring plans will be introduced (one for CZ-DE-AT region, one for SI-IT region).
From 2018 to 2020 we will implement the pilot monitoring plans. These will contain the main numbers and information for an ongoing evaluation of population´s status and viability. It enables creating a conservation strategy and rapid response to threats. The monitoring system will cover 14 000 km2 of lynx habitat in CZ-DE-AT area and 3 000 km2 in SI-IT area. We count on help of foresters and hunters during the monitoring and we will organize training schemes for different stakeholder groups about lynx protection and conservation as well as damage and conflict control.
Development of transnational lynx conservation strategy on population level will be focused primarily on CZ-DE-AT population, with some preparation works for similar strategies for Dinaric and South-East Alpine population. Essential component for this initiative is to create supporting environment for long-lasting transnational cooperation in lynx conservation. Parts of the strategy are common working and data exchange routines.
The final step will be setting-up durable transnational agreements for lynx conservation in multinational policy context. We will plan a road map of next steps towards wide acceptance and implementation of the strategy and achieve signing of a memorandum of understanding about implementing the strategy.
