Finja, the lynx cat: the cause of death by stems after release in the Black Forest

Finja, the lynx cat: the cause of death by stems after release in the Black Forest

tragic loss as part of the lynx project in the Black Forest: Lynx cat Finja dies from Staupe

Sad news shakes the animal and conservationists in the Black Forest: The Luchskatze Finja, which was released into the lynx as part of the project, died in the infectious disease. The intensive veterinary pathological examination showed that the rare illness in Finja was the cause of death. Minister Peter Hauk commented on the incident in Stuttgart and emphasized the complexity of the release project.

Staupe is widespread in Germany and occurs primarily in dog and marten-like. Very rarely can lynxes infect with the virus. Since Finja also tore foxes in addition to her main pious, there could have been infection via an infected fox. Although Staupe is extremely rare in Luchsen, the case of Finja shows that such losses must be expected in nature.

The release project in the Black Forest, which is supported by various organizations such as the forestry and research institution (FVA) and the Karlsruhe Zoo, aims to get up to ten lynxes for inventory by 2027. Despite the tragic loss of Finja, the project continues because Staupe does not represent a significant risk for a lynx inventory and vaccination against the disease is currently not possible.

The death of Finja is a severe blow for the lynx project in the Black Forest, but also shows the challenges and risks to which the released animals are exposed. The hope is now that the remaining lynx will stay healthy and to strengthen the lynx in the region.