IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Ozolins, J. | |
| Management plan for Eurasian lynx (_Lynx lynx_) in Latvia | |
| 2002 Full Book | |
The lynx populations in Latvia are viable, although unevenly distributed within the country. The carnivore is most common in the northern districts, especially near the Estonian and Russian border while it is comparatively rare in the districts along the Lithuanian and Belarussian border. On long-term scale, the lynx in Latvia presently has the best distribution status within the last 150 years. No quotas exist for the hunting bag although a special permit for small game is needed to shoot lynx and hunters have to record all taken individuals. There is a closed hunting season from 16th March till 30th September and a fine for poaching exists. Amendments to the Hunting Regulations according the first draft of Lynx Management Plan (2000) were proposed to the Cabinet of Ministers but are not accepted yet. This plan is elaborated in accordance with The Law on Protection of Species and Habitats (in force since 05.04.2000) and is suggested as a long term strategy for conservation of the lynx in Latvia. It is a revised form of the action plan compiled for the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats meeting on Status of Large Carnivore Conservation in the Baltic States in 2001. It has been adopted by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development in 2002. Its main objectives are to maintain the current population size for a long term, to avoid any fragmentation of the population, and to ensure a free movement of animals between western and eastern sub-populations in Latvia. The carrying environmental capacity and the natural ecological functions of the species in ecosystems is to be conserved and the public opinion regarding the lynx is to be improved by informing about species ecology, threats to the European populations, and conservation needs. A further objective is to abolish the existing management policy of lynx, focused on safeguarding ungulate populations at higher density, and to implement a quota system for harvesting. A high priority should be given to research activities such as lynx monitoring and population ecology because only strong scientifically based arguments can change the hunters' attitude. |
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