Lynxes are among the most elusive predators in Europe. Most people will never see them in the wild, and for decades, knowledge about them has been based on rare tracks and random observations. So how can we effectively protect a species we know so little about? The breakthrough came with modern technology – telemetry collars, which opened a completely new chapter in lynx research and their reintroduction in Poland.
Just a dozen or so years ago, lynxes in Poland were almost ghosts. In the 1990s, the population was estimated at only about 200 individuals, and there were many indications that this number was still declining. Understanding their behaviors, migration routes, and causes of mortality was nearly impossible – until GPS telemetry was utilized.
Thanks to the reintroduction led by the West Pomeranian Nature Society (ZTP), lynxes have reappeared in western Poland. The population in this part of Poland is estimated to be at least 100 individuals. Each lynx released into the wild receives a telemetry collar, which not only allows its movements to be tracked, but also provides invaluable information about the effectiveness of the reintroduction programme.
What does telemetry really provide?
✅ Tracking migration routes – Some lynxes can travel up to hundreds of kilometers, traversing forests and fields in search of new territories. Without collars, we would have no idea about their actual range and habitat requirements.
✅ Monitoring health – Changes in activity and unusual behaviors may indicate illness, injury, or weakness in the animal. This allows naturalists to intervene in time and – if necessary – take life-saving actions.
✅ Protection of denning sites – Thanks to telemetry, the location where a female lynx gives birth can be identified, allowing for the protection of that area and the suspension of forestry work around the den.
✅ Preventing conflicts with humans – Lynxes sometimes approach buildings in search of easy prey or shelter. Telemetry allows us to notice this and – if needed – take actions to prevent potential conflicts.
One of the most interesting discoveries thanks to telemetry is the migration of lynxes. It is already known that these solitary predators can cover impressive distances – record holders have traveled even several hundred kilometers! From collar readings, we know that monthly migration distances ranged from 5 to 418 km. The longest migrations occur by males during the mating season, from January to March.
However, telemetry does not always serve only research purposes. There have been situations where the collar’s signal indicated a prolonged lack of movement – allowing ZTP members to check what was happening. Sometimes it was due to illness or weakness, other times – a threat from humans. Thanks to quick reactions, many animals have been saved.
Today, the protection of lynxes is no longer based on guesswork. Thanks to telemetry, we have insight into their lives, needs, and threats, and most importantly – we can protect them more effectively. This is a breakthrough that seemed impossible just a dozen or so years ago.
And although lynxes still remain one of the most mysterious inhabitants of polish forests, modern technology allows us to know more about them than ever before. And this is just the beginning of this fascinating adventure!
Lynxes and technology – how telemetry collars help save the species
Lynxes are masters of camouflage – most people will never see them in the wild. So how can we effectively protect a species about which so little is known? The answer is in telemetry collars, which are revolutionizing lynx protection in Poland.
Thanks to telemetry, naturalists track migration routes, know where lynxes settle, and can quickly respond to threats – for example, if an animal is weakened or approaches human settlements. Monitoring also helps prevent poaching and check the effectiveness of reintroduction.
Does the collar bother the lynx?
No! It is very lightweight and designed to fit the animal as best as possible. After about a year and a half, the battery runs out.
Did you know that some lynxes can cover several hundred kilometers in search of new territory or a mate? Without the collar, we would never have found out!
Thanks to the tremendous work of the West Pomeranian Nature Society at the Dzika Zagroda in Jabłonowo, lynxes are returning to western Poland. And modern technology allows us to protect them more effectively.
What was once impossible is now becoming a reality – lynxes are no longer ghosts of the forest, and we can truly help them.
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