Maintaining Cooperation and Trust

1. BLRP Partner Meeting
Between 29 September and 01 October 2026, 25 representatives of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) partner organisations – ERA, EuroNatur, KORA, MES and PPNEA – gathered at approximately 1,515 metres above sea level, in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo, at the annual BLRP Partner Meeting.

The productive meeting focused on strengthening regional cooperation and discussing the first steps towards reinforcing the Balkan lynx population, a key conservation measure planned for the upcoming project phase. Beyond the formal discussions, the partners enjoyed a day of trekking through the beautiful mountain landscape, providing a valuable opportunity to socialise, exchange experiences and strengthen relationships in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

2. The 9th EUROLYNX Meeting
What does telemetry reveal about the social life of the lynx, an animal otherwise known for its solitary nature? Are all encounters driven by reproduction? Can females skip the mating season? How does the Eurasian lynx decide where to roam, and to what extent does this choice depend on prey availability? What are the potential scenarios for the recovery of the Balkan lynx in the region? How can lynx be protected from traffic accidents and landscape fragmentation?

These were just some of the questions raised, and topics discussed during the 9th EUROLYNX meeting, hosted by the Macedonian Ecological Society. The event brought together nearly 90 scientists from 21 countries in the North Macedonian village of Vevchani from 12 to 14 October 2026.

EUROLYNX is a European scientific initiative established in 2018 to share data and knowledge on the movement ecology of the Eurasian lynx. Designed as a spatial database, EUROLYNX stores data on the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), currently contributed by 42 research groups from 19 countries.

The data available through this open information system makes it possible to study lynx behaviour within their habitats and document how populations respond to habitat changes, human activities, prey density and livestock husbandry practices. As field data is collected across multiple countries, EUROLYNX provides an excellent foundation for comparative theoretical and applied research on lynx behaviour and ecology at the European level.

Beyond providing new insights and plenty of inspiration, the meeting also served as a poignant reminder of how rewarding scientific research can be – especially when knowledge is shared with others!

3. Monitoring Network Meeting in North Macedonia

Fieldwork and monitoring are essential for the recovery of the Balkan lynx – and are only possible through cooperation with people who have field experience and a shared interest in safeguarding this fascinating animal. The Balkan lynx monitoring network in North Macedonia was established by BLRP partner organisation MES (Macedonian Ecological Society). Its members include hunters, wildlife officers, veterinarians, foresters and journalists. The network aims to expand monitoring activities, improve knowledge of the Balkan lynx and raise awareness of the need to protect the species and its prey.

Thirty-two members gathered for the annual monitoring network meeting on 18 September 2026, organised by the MES team. They were presented with the results of the 2026 Balkan lynx monitoring efforts, including surveys of potential lynx habitats across western North Macedonia conducted during the annual camera-trapping session. These efforts have provided a better understanding of the presence and distribution of the Balkan lynx in the country.