DNA samples from four lynx that were captured after they were illegally released in Scotland could be used to help track down the culprits behind the ill-conceived scheme.
Could, yes, but only if they had something to compare them to….
Conservationists believe ‘rogue rewilders’ could be behind the release of the animals into the countryside near the Inverness-shire village of Kingussie. Experts believe the big cats (Ed: *sigh* No, they are not 'big cats'...) were transported from Ireland or elsewhere in Europe by rewilding activists, often referred to as guerrilla rewilders, who have grown tired of waiting for official reintroduction schemes.
I'm not sure why the finger would be pointed at foreigners….
Mr Packham said DNA could play a role in discovering more about where the cats came from. He said: ‘If these animals or any of their lineage have been kept in captivity there’s a chance we can find out more. ‘We might not be able to find the perpetrator though.’
Conservationist Derek Gow, a long-standing advocate of reintroducing lynx in Scotland, said the illicit release was never going to be viable as the animals were too tame. But he said authorities will find it hard to trace the big cats’ lineage because there is no DNA database of lynx held in captivity in the UK.
Then perhaps there should be?
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