North Macedonia
New Study: First robust density estimates of the Balkan lynx in its core area
A new study published within the framework of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) provides insight into the current status of the critically endangered Balkan lynx in its core area. The study sought to answer a fundamental question: How many Balkan lynx are left in their core habitat, and how has this changed over the past decade?
© MES
Over a ten-year period (2013–2023), we monitored the Balkan lynx in the forests and rugged mountains of Mavrovo National Park using camera traps. We recorded nearly 180 detections and applied spatial capture-recapture models to estimate lynx density and assess trends over time.
Our results show a clear decline: from 2013 to 2023, the estimated density of the Balkan lynx in its core area dropped by nearly half. While these densities remain comparable to other European lynx populations, the continued downward trend in such a small and isolated group raises serious concern.
Despites challenges such as low detection rates and missing sex data, the use of spatially explicit capture recapture models provided robust density estimates across five survey sessions. Our findings highlight the urgent need for conservation action, including reinforcement and genetic monitoring.
To the study
© Melovski et al. (2025)
© MES