I WOULD hope that John Swinney has examined carefully the data and scientific research regarding lynx and beaver rewilding in some of our neighbouring European states. He must be careful about placating farmers for the sake of the SNP’s popularity while ignoring the evidence and knowledge of environmentalists and scientists who can testify about their successful introduction and incorporation into other European landscapes.
READ MORE: John Swinney rules out reintroduction of lynx in Scotland
Of course the lynx will, on a rare occasion, come into contact with humans and they may take a lamb or sheep when this occurs. Has John Swinney looked into how these countries deal with this (compensation perhaps) and/or do farmers understand the important role lynx play in the ecosystem?
We must educate farmers and others about the role of lynx and beaver rather than jumping in defence of the farming industry because it is politically advantageous. Our ecosystems are fraying at the edges and it’s long past the time when, as a species, we stand up for our fellow creatures and see the important role they all play in our planet’s health.
Keith Taylor
via email
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