Outsmart That Lynx

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Since the drastic reduction of the numbers of the black-backed jackal by hunting dogs, and the use of the ‘Coyote Getter’, there has been a great increase in the lynx population in the Eastern Cape, say local farmers.

The reasons for this are not quite clear, although many farmers and hunters claim the young lynx were one of the natural preys of the black-backed jackal. Another reason is that the disappearance of the jackals left the area free of natural predators – hence the migration of the lynxes to this area with its abundant food.

Whatever the reason for the proliferation of lynxes, the fact remains that stock losses caused by these predators has become a serious problem, and some farmers have had to stop grazing certain mountainous areas.