The change in the attitudes of Czech hunters towards Eurasian lynx: Is poaching restricting lynx population growth?

摘要: Abstract Even though the Eurasian lynx is a less controversial species than wolf or brown bear, poaching remains major cause of mortality in Europe, potentially threatening population expansion key areas. Our study was designed to explore attitude hunters and other stakeholders (students secondary forestry schools University faculties) towards their experience with illegal killing Czech Republic. Self-administered questionnaires were addressed local students 2001 again 2015. The survey conducted two separate hunting regions Bohemia, one where have been artificially reintroduced another which become established through natural colonisation. In 2015 extended further areas re-established themselves colonisation, east Altogether 415 922 completed 2015, respectively. not affected by region, density nature (human re-introductions vs recolonisation), but attitudes became more negative they had 2001. majority still believed that effects on wildlife 27% stated do wish co-exist lynx. Half school third tertiary believe threaten roe deer stocks, even red are present at high extensive damage commercial forestry. Hunters as well first-hand knowledge about proportion admitting having poached 10% repeated kills made same person increasing between Population modelling suggested least 25% might be annually, sufficient restrict growth distribution.