Title: Lynx, the ghost of the western Macedonian mountains

Published in: “Nova Makeodnija” – daily newspaper

Text written by: Goce Trpkovski

Photographs: MES-BLRP

Summary: The lynx can only be found on the 5-denar coin now and then. Nothing is known on its biology and ecology. In 2006 MES started a joint project with KORA, EuroNatur and NINA for Balkan lynx conservation. A baseline survey was carried out in order to obtain the knowledge from the local people. The first results from the project were the lynx tracks found in the wild. The assessment of the data so far in Macedonia results in an estimation of around 30 lynx. Main threats towards its survival are: destruction of lynx’s habitats and extermination of its prey. The lynx in the Alps were eradicated in the 19th century after which a reintroduction programme was initiated.

In the last part, main aspects of the Mavrovo camera-trapping session with the results are given.