Differences in the support of Eurasian Lynx reintroduction in Lower Saxony between non-hunters and the hunting community

The Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) has been reintroduced to the Harz National Park region in Lower Saxony since 2000. For more than a decade, the population has reproduces successfully and now slowly disperses to other regions.... [ view full abstract ]

The Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) has been reintroduced to the Harz National Park region in Lower Saxony since 2000. For more than a decade, the population has reproduces successfully and now slowly disperses to other regions. This trend preceded ed the return of the wolf by several years, moreover lynx presence appears to be much more covert. Nevertheless, the return of a predator does not come unnoticed among those communities who spend a lot of time outdoors - the hunters. The state hunting association of Lower Saxony with its 53,000 members is a cooperating partner of the lynx reintroduction project.

Given the potential moral conflict between looking for an optimal hunting experience while having to adapt to the presence of a competitor - large carnivores have been absent to Germany for more than 100 years - this research focused on three key research questions:

1. Are there differences in the public support for lynx reintroduction when comparing the hunting community with the general public? Among hunters, is there also a difference in support when comparing those hunting in lynx territory with those who are hunting elsewhere?

2. What are the main impairments hunters either perceive or actually are affected by given the lynx presence in their hunting territory?

3. What solutions can be found to mitigate these potential conflicts and how can communication about the lynx project be improved? Are hunters even perceived as conservation protagonists in this context?

To answer these and other questions, on online survey was conducted in February and March 2013. The total sample size of completed surveys with a Lower Saxon postal code was n = 1,196 of which 425 participants were actual hunters. Overall attitudes towards the lynx and support for its reintroduction are mainly positive among both sample groups, but with the non-hunting group expressing an even higher support.

Among the drawbacks perceived from lynx presence, diminution of a positive hunting experience and the potential impact on the roe deer population - the lynx' main prey and hunters' "bread and butter" game were most commonly mentioned by more than half of the hunters queried. In addition, many hunters feared that they would have increased problems to fulfill their local game management plan requirements.

In regards to the general perception of the lynx reintroduction project, the hunters' association's involvement and contribution to the project was the least know of all project partners. 

In conclusion, the survey demonstrates that in spite of potential negative impacts on traditional hunting, support for the lynx reintroduction is high among the hunting community. Not surprisingly, it is even higher among non-hunters. Several of the potential conflicts may be addressed through intensified communication with affected hunters, especially when using peer-to-peer formats. Long-term monitoring needs to address potential decreases in hunting yields and consequences for leaseholds. Project communication needs to put a better focus on hunters' contributions to conservation.