A real death sentence. Sweden allowed hunters to shoot a total of 201 lynxes. The measure, which immediately sparked strong protests from animal rights groups, came just weeks after dozens of protests. wolves killed in the largest culling of wildlife in the country in decades.
It is estimated that around 1,450 lynx live in the Scandinavian country, about 300 fewer than 10 years ago. But the Swedish environmental agency Naturvardsverket says the country only needs 870 feral cats to maintain a healthy population. An assessment that does not serve to appease criticism from animal rights activists and others.
Even the Swedish hunting association Svenska Jagareforbundet agreed that the lynx poses no danger to humans. However, the Conservative government in Stockholm has decided to issue a series of logging licenses for the month of March alone, which is more than double the permits issued in recent years.
“It’s a trophy hunt, just like going to Africa to hunt lions,” said Magnus Orrebrant, leader of a Swedish animal rights group. “Hundreds of foreign hunters come to Sweden to hunt lynx because they think it’s exciting.” Lynx hunt – reported Guardian – occurs during the mating season, when the animal’s fur is at its thickest, which makes it particularly attractive to hunters.
However, the EU Habitats Directive states that this type of hunting is only permitted to prevent damage to livestock or for public safety. Whether any of these conditions apply to the Swedish lynx is “absolutely questionable,” said WWF predator expert Benny Gafwert. “We do not think that hunters can apply for these exceptions and we have informed the European Commission,” said the activist, who declared the war in the authorized offices.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
