SNP’s Inaction on Beavers Sparks Concerns Over Lynx Reintroduction
Farmers claim SNP’s failure to act on beaver releases encourages illegal lynx reintroductions
Scotland, Lynx, Beavers, Farmers, SNP, Wildlife Crime
Kingussie: Farmers in Scotland are raising alarms about the SNP’s lack of action regarding the illegal release of beavers. They believe this has set a dangerous precedent, leading to the recent illegal release of lynx in the Highlands.
Martin Kennedy, the president of NFU Scotland, expressed his concerns. He pointed out that the SNP’s decision to let unlawfully released beavers stay has encouraged others to do the same with lynx. He fears that without consequences, illegal releases will become common.
In a letter to SNP ministers, Kennedy highlighted that the absence of punishment for those who released the beavers has given environmental groups a way to bypass legal processes. He mentioned that farmers had been warning about the potential for illegal lynx releases for some time.
Last week, two pairs of lynx were captured in the Highlands, and while Kennedy appreciated the First Minister’s condemnation of the releases, he stressed the need for action. He urged the SNP to allocate resources to track down and prosecute those responsible.
Police are investigating the lynx releases, suspecting they are linked. The first pair was captured on a Wednesday, and the second on Friday, near Kingussie. Sadly, one of the lynxes showed signs of starvation, and one has died while the others are being cared for at Edinburgh Zoo.
Rewilding advocates want to reintroduce lynx to Scotland, with areas like the Cairngorms and Argyll as potential habitats. However, they condemned the illegal releases, arguing it undermines their case for a proper reintroduction.
Scotland’s beaver population has surged since their illegal release two decades ago. While they have become a protected species, their presence has caused significant issues for farmers, including damage to drainage systems and trees.
Kennedy pointed out that the illegal release of beavers in Tayside has led to a troubling trend. He noted that landowners are often blamed for trying to protect their farms, while those who released the beavers face no repercussions.
He emphasized that the illegal release of species is a wildlife crime and that those responsible must be held accountable. A Scottish Government spokesperson reiterated that unauthorized releases are illegal and unacceptable, but they cannot comment on ongoing investigations.