The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, according to a recent assessment, and ranks among the bottom 10% for biodiversity globally. Some conservationists are hoping to change that by reintroducing species from the island’s wilder past. One such candidate is the Eurasian lynx – a feline mammal.
As recently as 1974, experts like Anthony Dent, author of Lost Beasts of Britain, believed that lynxes belonged with cave lions in Britain’s distant prehistoric past. But this theory was challenged by zoologist David Hetherington and colleagues in 2005, when they presented radiocarbon dating evidence that lynxes were around as late as the fifth or sixth century AD in north Yorkshire.
The lynx may have survived in Scotland centuries later than previously thought, new study suggests
As recently as 1974, experts like Anthony Dent, author of Lost Beasts of Britain, believed that lynxes belonged with cave lions in Britain’s distant prehistoric past. But this theory was challenged by zoologist David Hetherington and colleagues in 2005, when they presented radiocarbon dating evidence that lynxes were around as late as the fifth or sixth century AD in north Yorkshire.
The lynx may have survived in Scotland centuries later than previously thought, new study suggests