Current distribution

Isolated sightings of Carpathian lynx in Austria were recorded from 1956 onwards. At that time, the Iron Curtain was still preventing their migration. In the 1970s, lynx populations were successfully established in Switzerland and Slovenia, whilst an attempt to reintroduce them in Austria (Turrach) was unsuccessful. A few years later, in the 1980s, lynx were released into the wild in the area that is now the Šumava National Park, forming the basis for a lynx population in the Bohemian Forest.  Around 20 animals from this population have been recorded in northern Austria (the Mühlviertel and Waldviertel regions).  

In 1998, a migrant lynx – a male – was spotted in the Northern Limestone Alps. From 2011 onwards, the Kalkalpen National Park introduced lynx (wild-caught individuals) to establish a population.  These lynx initially reproduced successfully; however, some have gone missing, whilst two animals were confirmed to have been killed illegally. There has been no evidence of reproduction since 2018. In 2025, a population of four lynx, classified as critically endangered, lives in the Kalkalpen National Park area. In addition, two male lynx have been recorded in the eastern part of the Lynx Trail. We can therefore assume that there will be a total of six lynx in the project area by 2025.

This small lynx population urgently needs new blood and, in the long term, genetic exchange with other populations in order to survive in the long run. The Lynx Trail helps to raise public awareness of this endangered species and the measures necessary for its survival.

You can help too: donate to the lynx

Further information on lynx in Austria can be found here:

Lynx – Distribution in Austria – Austria Centre

Lynx – kalkalpen.at

As solitary animals, they claim a territory of 5,000–30,000 ha for themselves. The size of a territory is determined primarily by prey density and therefore varies from area to area. Males’ territories are significantly larger than those of females. Males do not tolerate other males within their own territory, but they do tolerate potential mates. They undertake very long journeys and can travel as far as 40 km in a single night.

Unfortunately, habitat fragmentation between the Bohemian Forest and the Kalkalpen has progressed to such an extent that lynx cannot migrate between them and the two populations are unable to interbreed. To ensure a secure future for lynx in Central Europe, it would be important to connect these isolated populations. Austria is seen as having a key role to play in this regard.

The lynx is a hunter that lies in wait and stalks its prey, and does not choose its victims. Weakened or inexperienced animals naturally have less chance of escaping a lynx. After a short sprint and a well-aimed bite to the throat, the prey is killed.

Lynxes are strict carnivores and require 1–2 kilograms of food per day. This means they are forced to kill a roe deer every week. The lynx hides its prey beneath leaves, grass and twigs. If left undisturbed, it will return and eat all the muscle meat.  The bones, fur and entrails are left behind.

Tears usually do not go unnoticed. Secondary predators such as foxes, corvids, etc. often make it considerably more difficult to identify a lynx tear.