Lynx could be reintroduced into Britain within the next 12 months, a conservation expert has claimed.
Director of Lynx UK Trust, Dr Paul O’Donoghue, said he is "confident" the Labrador-sized cat will return to the wild, adding that he has already got lynx "lined up" to bring over from other countries.
The organisation submitted a draft application to reintroduce the apex predator into Kielder forest in Northumberland around two years ago and now plans to submit a full application.
Lynx are currently listed on the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, meaning they cannot be released unless into a secure enclosure, which Dr O’Donoghue plans to change.
Natural England Chair, Tony Juniper, recently told The Guardian more engagement was required to understand how communities would be affected by the release of lynx.
He however said he was enthusiastic about reintroducing the animal to Britain and would be “absolutely delighted” if it could be achieved during his two-year term - but O’Donoghue thinks it could happen within the next year or even sooner.
He told GB News: “If all goes to plan, which I'm sure it will now, then I think within the next 12 months is a very reasonable timescale.
"It can happen quicker than that but now we need to go through the paperwork with the relevant agencies and we expect to get a licence [to reintroduce lynx], because there's no logical reason [to not give a licence].
Lynx UK Trust plan to submit a full application to get the species reintroduced in Britain
PA
"For [Government officials] to deny the licence would be wide open to a legal challenge and that is what will happen - there will be a huge outcry if Natural England don't act on this."
Lynx, which were historically killed in Britain for pelts and fur, pose no risk to humans and can help tackle deer overpopulation, help with tree growth and promote forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Dr O’Donoghue believes a simple statuary instrument would allow the species to no longer be listed as a "dangerous wild animal" and has called on the help of Environment Secretary Steve Reed to make this happen.
But the conservation expert claims Reed has not responded to his efforts to make contact since an initial exchange of letters.
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Lynx are currently listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act
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He said: "As soon as Steve Reed came into office I wrote a letter to him. He sent me a very nice encouraging letter back but then he went silent.
"I rang up his office and tumbleweed. That is not good enough from the Secretary of State because lynx introduction is arguably the most important biodiversity issue in the uk. Lynx are a natural mitigation of climate change."
Dr O’Donoghue added that if Reed "does not engage" in the matter his "decision making will be questioned".
"It's too important to let go, this is not a side issue that's something nice to happen, it's essential for the British countryside", he told the People's Channel.
Lynx pose no threat to humans
GETTY
"These people that are on nice big salaries walking around Westminster and sitting in nice offices need to do something."
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) commented: “This government is absolutely committed to restoring and protecting nature and we support species reintroductions where there are clear benefits for nature, people and the environment.
“We will continue to work with Natural England on species reintroductions in England.”
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