We’re sharing news about our newest resident in Plitvice Lakes National Park – a lynx named Kras!

As part of the LIFE Lynx project, Kras arrived from Romania and became the sixth and final lynx released into Croatia to increase the genetic diversity of our endangered population. Kras was officially set free on March 25, 2023, and has since become a true star with his unusual penchant for traveling between two beautiful habitats – Plitvice Lakes and Gorski Kotar.

After his release, Kras briefly explored the territory near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border but soon returned to his initial home in Plitvice Lakes. In mid-April, he decided to take a trip to the enchanting Gorski Kotar. However, intriguingly, in mid-May, he returned to Plitvice Lakes only to head back to Gorski Kotar with the onset of summer heat, where he currently resides.

Adult male lynxes live in territories averaging from 100 to 300 km2 and usually do not share their territory with other males. However, a male’s territory may overlap with that of one or more females. For Kras, the challenge is to find a habitat of suitable quality that isn’t already occupied. Based on data collected through his telemetry collar, we still cannot say with certainty whether he has succeeded in doing so. Perhaps Kras is still in a dilemma – Plitvice Lakes or Gorski Kotar? Maybe he finds the company of females equally delightful in both places!

We will continue to follow Kras’s adventures and share all the updates with you. Learn more about our precious guest on our blog and join us as we explore the fascinating world of this rare lynx.