The Scottish Wildlife Trust would like to see the once native Eurasian lynx reintroduced in the Scottish countryside, even though farmers have expressed fears for their economy.
Hunting and loss of habitat due to the intensification of farming practices caused the extinction of the UK lynx at about the medieval period.
But the Scottish Wildlife Trust's chief executive said during a debate on the BBC's World at One that the charity believes there is both a moral and ecological case for reintroduction of species that have been made extinct in Scotland due to habitat loss and persecution.
Hunting and loss of habitat due to the intensification of farming practices caused the extinction of the UK lynx at about the medieval period.
But the Scottish Wildlife Trust's chief executive said during a debate on the BBC's World at One that the charity believes there is both a moral and ecological case for reintroduction of species that have been made extinct in Scotland due to habitat loss and persecution.
He maintained that reintroducing top-level predators such as the lynx would help restore the balance in Scotland's natural ecosystems, which continue to decline in the face of widespread threats, such as overgrazing and inappropriate development.
The Eurasian lynx can be found in 46 countries in Europe, northern Asia and the Middle East and is the third largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and gray wolf. The solitary cat hunts at night and avoids humans, so is rarely seen.
A 20 cm adult lynx will normally feed on deer, mountain hares and even moose. In the summer, lynx are more likely to prey on small mammals and, unfortunately, domestic sheep. See full Telegraph story.
The Eurasian lynx can be found in 46 countries in Europe, northern Asia and the Middle East and is the third largest predator in Europe after the brown bear and gray wolf. The solitary cat hunts at night and avoids humans, so is rarely seen.
A 20 cm adult lynx will normally feed on deer, mountain hares and even moose. In the summer, lynx are more likely to prey on small mammals and, unfortunately, domestic sheep. See full Telegraph story.
So why do humans care about animals when they become extinct? It's a hard question, but I think those who are aware have taken on the guilt of mankind's past behavior. I'm always gladdened to discover when zoos have released animals back into their habitat.
Why do we care about animals at all? For some reason, we feel a kinship, an awe, even love when we get to know a beloved pet.
Yesterday, I watched a 2009 movie, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, that touched my heart. With the sorrowful piano music in the background, I knew the plot wouldn't end well, but I fell in love with the husky dog as it grew from a stray found at a station to settle with the man he chose. When his owner died, Hachi faithfully waited at the train station for nine years. The drama starred Richard Gere and was based on a true story about a Japanese dog, whose statue remains at the station to this day.
Toward the end, I sobbed as if my heart would break. I grieved for my lost loved-ones, and my husband who is getting weaker each day.
Loss is inevitable—we all die. Yet that knowledge doesn't relieve our sorrow. Every morning during meditation, I think of all the people with heavy hearts and hope they will find something in the coming day to help them carry on.
Humans and animals are linked by a force that can't be denied. Call it love, call it dependance, or put it down to an unknown vital principle.
Why do we care about animals at all? For some reason, we feel a kinship, an awe, even love when we get to know a beloved pet.
Yesterday, I watched a 2009 movie, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, that touched my heart. With the sorrowful piano music in the background, I knew the plot wouldn't end well, but I fell in love with the husky dog as it grew from a stray found at a station to settle with the man he chose. When his owner died, Hachi faithfully waited at the train station for nine years. The drama starred Richard Gere and was based on a true story about a Japanese dog, whose statue remains at the station to this day.
Toward the end, I sobbed as if my heart would break. I grieved for my lost loved-ones, and my husband who is getting weaker each day.
Loss is inevitable—we all die. Yet that knowledge doesn't relieve our sorrow. Every morning during meditation, I think of all the people with heavy hearts and hope they will find something in the coming day to help them carry on.
Humans and animals are linked by a force that can't be denied. Call it love, call it dependance, or put it down to an unknown vital principle.
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