PhD The sustainability of a Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx reintroduction in Scotland

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With an abundance of prey densities and a high economic cost to control these populations, a large carnivore reintroduction into the UK may be beneficial (Hetherington et al. 2007). A successful Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx reintroduction could control deer populations, encourage natural forest regeneration, increase tourist activity and visitor numbers (Hetherington 2006). The UK is under International treaties to conserve and reintroduce previously extinct species (Genovesi et al. 2004). Previous lynx reintroductions in Switzerland, France and Germany have resulted in human caused mortalities from poaching, by hunters and livestock breeders; a potential issue for a lynx reintroduction in the UK. An important lesson learnt from a lynx reintroduction in the Palatinate National forest, Germany, is that building local support for and engagement in the reintroduction project is key for successful implementation (Wilson 2018). A large predator reintroduction in the UK brings much controversy as the UK public have not grown up in an environment with a large carnivore presence (Consorte-McCrea et al. 2017). A previous application for a trial lynx reintroduction in Kielder forest was rejected (Johnson et al. 2019) due to a lack of engagement with the local community and lack of completion of a cost benefit analysis and ecological impact assessment. Although, research has reported a lynx reintroduction would be favourable among the public (Smith et al. 2016), there are understandably concerns from farmers, livestock breeders, hunters and their associations (Wilson 2004). For conservationists across the UK, a reintroduction of a predator would balance the ecosystem (Hetherington 2006). However, those that would be directly affected need to have the opportunities to be involved with the process, and have their concerns acknowledged. It is extremely important to involve these parties as they are a key factor to a successful reintroduction (Hetherington 2006). Recent research (Ovenden et al. 2019) has identified potential sites in Scotland (Aberdeenshire and Kintyre Peninsula) for lynx reintroduction projects; however the research advocates socio-economic work in areas of potential conflict. Essential to this is the full explanation of economic costs and benefits of the project, using contingent valuation methods (Macmillan et al. 2001) and cost benefit analysis (White et al. 2015). Thus further research is vital in order to provide an integrated sustainability assessment of the social, economic and biodiversity performance of the Eurasian lynx reintroduction project and investigate its potential challenges and opportunities for local communities in Aberdeenshire and the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland.