07 April 2017
07.04.2017 - As part of activities for monitoring protected areas and inventorying biodiversity, officials from IKMN, in cooperation with those from the NGO ERA in Peja, during joint activities, have once again reconfirmed the presence of the rare and highly endangered species - the Balkan Lynx (Lynx lynx ssp. balcanicus) in the territory of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park.
On the occasion of checking the trap cameras placed some time ago near the Kozhnjer Reserve, the presence of the Balkan Lynx in the area has been confirmed, where its presence had also been recorded 2 months ago, as well as the species it feeds on, which are: Hare (Lepus europaeus), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), and other species such as Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Badger (Meles meles), etc. The Kozhnjer area is now considered a refuge for many wild animals, including the Balkan Lynx, as a rare and critically endangered species both nationally and globally.
Some such cameras have been placed for some time in different parts of the Sharri and Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Parks, with the sole purpose of monitoring the status of the fauna and the presence of various species of wild animals.
The Balkan lynx is a key species for the protection of natural heritage and ecosystems throughout the southwestern Balkans. Its total population is estimated to be fewer than 40 individuals. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, the Balkan lynx is considered critically endangered (CR). Even in our country, this species is protected by law.