Occurrence of the Eurasian lynx in western Poland after two decades of strict protection

Studies on the occurrence of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in Poland revealed that after over two decades of species protection its range of permanent occurrence has still not substantially extended westwards. While single individuals have been recorded in some forests, lynx reproduction is still restricted to central Poland, where likely occur the descendants of individuals reintroduced at the turn of the 21st century. Dispersal of the lynx in central Poland is hampered by discontinuity of ecological corridors due to urbanization and development of transport infrastructure, while their settlement is hindered by the simplification of local forest structures.