Possible release of Lynx in the UK

The BBC has reported that the Lynx trust is considering applying for a licence to release Lynx into a number of sites in the UK
The Lynx UK Trust is holding a consultation into bringing the big cats to Norfolk, Cumbria and Aberdeenshire. It is now considering Kielder Forest, in Northumberland, as another site as it has a large deer population - the main prey for lynx.
Sheep farmers have raised concerns about the animals attacking sheep. The scheme would see four to six lynx, wearing radio tracking devices at each site, each of which are rich in deer and tree cover.
Once the Lynx UK Trust's consultation is completed, it will lodge a formal application with Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage.
A spokesman for the trust said this could take many months. Lynx cubs can expect an average lifespan of 10 years in the wild
Chief scientific specialist Dr Paul O'Donoghue, of the Lynx Trust, said: "These are beautiful cats which will fit beautifully into the UK environment. "They're extremely shy animals which have never attacked a human anywhere they live, and everywhere they live their preferred prey is deer which we have a serious overpopulation issue with in the UK.
"Concerns raised by some sheep farmers at the plans have been met with assurances of a comprehensive and generous compensation program, and extensive research from Europe showing that lynx very rarely predate on sheep anywhere they live, preferring the hiding places of remote forestry to the open environment of farms or sheep moors.
In response English Nature have released the following statement:
‘Any application to introduce lynx into England would need serious consideration in terms of its impact right across the UK.
The Eurasian lynx has been absent from Britain for about 1300 years. As it is no longer recognised as a resident species, the release of lynx into the wild in Britain would be unlawful unless licensed. Natural England is the appropriate licensing body in England. So far Natural England has had a single preliminary meeting with the Lynx Trust’s legal advisers to describe the extensive process that would need to be undertaken before any licence submission could be considered.
Any application to introduce lynx into England would need very serious consideration in terms of its impact right across the UK. If such an application were made, Natural England would consider it in line with prevailing legislation; international guidelines; following proper public consultation and evidence gathering, and taking into account any input from government.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines consider the socio-economic impacts of the introduction as well as impacts on the environment and the animals themselves.’
Source: Natural England and BBC