Because no lynx research or monitoring had previously been carried out in Plitvice Lakes National Park, the study was launched to improve the management of this Natura 2000 target species. Its aim was to obtain baseline information on lynx movements, individual home-range size, population density, reproduction, activity and habitat use.

Prior to this study, no lynx from Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) or this part of central Lika had been monitored. The project therefore aimed to extend lynx research to parts of their habitat that had not previously been studied systematically. The new findings have added to the overall body of knowledge about the lynx and will be particularly valuable for managing this strictly protected species in Croatia.

Telemetry, combined with camera traps and snow tracking, was selected as the most effective method of collecting data and gaining insight into lynx ecology. The study involved capturing live lynx, fitting them with GPS collars and monitoring them.

During the study, seven lynx were captured and fitted with GPS collars. Their home ranges averaged 200 km² and overlapped spatially, although the animals did not use the overlapping areas at the same time. Analysis of the camera-trap footage confirmed that nine lynx used the Plitvice Lakes National Park area. They were most active at dawn and dusk.

A substantial proportion of PLNP was found to fall within the highest lynx habitat-suitability classes. Based solely on natural habitat components, the entire Park provides prime lynx habitat, except for areas around settlements, alongside major roads and in the large open fields near Homoljac, Brezovac and Babin Potok.

Objava Research into the movements, space use and activity of lynx in Plitvice Lakes National Park (Eurasian lynx – Lynx lynx) pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

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.

Objava We’re sharing news about our newest resident in Plitvice Lakes National Park – a lynx named Kras! pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".