Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Austrian Alps in period 2005–2009

Abstract

To assess the status of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Austrian Alps we evaluated signs of lynx presence collected from 2005 to 2009. The spatial distribution and the number of records collected (228 versus 225) remained stable compared to the 5-year period 2000–2004. The distribution of the signs of presence showed three clusters: (1) the clearest in Upper Austria (Kalkalpen National Park), (2) in Styria (NiedereTauern), and (3) in southern Carinthia (Carnic Alps). From other regions, only isolated or unverified records are reported. In fact, based on an analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of the information we conclude that there is no population established, presumably even reproductive units are lacking. Instead, the scattered observations rather indicate the presence of single individuals only.