Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme

Protect the Balkan Lynx

The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) aims to restore a viable Balkan lynx population by addressing key threats. Through transboundary collaboration, research, monitoring, community engagement, policy advocacy and communication, the programme is working to improve conservation strategies, strengthen legal protection, and establish a sustainable habitat network for the species​​.

© MES© MES

© MES

The Balkan Lynx

The Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus) is one of the rarest wild cats in Europe, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining. Found in the south-western Balkans, this critically endangered subspecies faces serious threats from habitat loss, poaching and a declining prey base. Learn more about their distribution, habitat, threats, behaviour and ecology.

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The Recovery Programme

The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme is a joint collaboration of project partners working to protect the Balkan lynx. Learn more about its goals, approach, and partners.

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News Articles

News From Our Projects

© Iskra Stojanova

31.03.2026

Regional Strategy for Balkan Lynx Conservation adopted at the CMS COP15

The Regional Strategy to protect the Balkan lynx has been officially endorsed at the 15th meeting of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15) in Brazil in March 2026. It focuses on national action plans, habitat connectivity, and increasing genetic diversity. Authorities and experts will implement it in the coming years.
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© MES© MES

© MES

17.12.2025

New Balkan lynx brochure available

We are pleased to announce the release of a brand-new brochure about the Balkan lynx and our project dedicated to its protection.
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Krle © MESKrle © MES

Krle © MES

01.12.2025

Collaring lynx for scientific purposes

Within the BLRP project, our partner MES in North Macedonia is collaring Balkan lynx to gain deeper insights into habitat use and movement patterns of this endangered subspecies. The GPS collars provide crucial information on how these elusive animals traverse their habitats. Since the start of the project, 15 individuals have delivered valuable data through their collars.
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© ERA © ERA

© ERA

28.11.2025

Monitoring prey availability for the Balkan lynx

The Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) is assessing chamois availability in several regions to gain essential insights into the status of one of the most relevant lynx prey species and can lay the groundwork for targeted conservation measures.
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