When we think of cats, we do not think of wild hunters and forest dwellers. Instead, we think of the adorable balls of fur that inhabit our homes. This wild cat looks just like a domestic kitten, but she is actually part of an endangered European species.
This fuzzy little creature is shaped much more like a domesticated cat than a tiger or mountain lion, but she is still a wild animal. This blue-eyed beauty is known as the Balkan lynx. According to the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania, the lynx is native to the southwest Balkans, “mainly the border areas between Macedonia and Albania.”
Scientists are currently researching what caused this species to become endangered. PPNEA shares that while “biology, ecology, and history of the Balkan lynx are not well understood or documented, …obvious threats have been direct persecution in the past, …decline of prey populations, and loss and fragmentation of habitat.” PPNEA remains hopeful for the lynx’s survival thanks to ever increasing legal protections for the species.
The sight of this kitten is a spark of hope for many ecologists and biologists. Caters Clips informs us that “the young Balkan lynx was the first newborn of the species to be spotted in the wild in about 10 years, with less than 50 of the critically endangered animals currently in existence.”
Given that this cuddly creature is so rare, it is a wonder anyone was able to capture her on camera. The credit goes to Gjorgi Ivanov from the Balkan Lynx Recovery Program, which focuses on managing protected areas and monitoring the patterns of local wildlife. Ivanov and his partner Panajov Chorovski worked together to track down this little lynx in her natural environment.
Despite Ivanov’s success, he remains dedicated to his work. Caters Clips shares that “despite posting a selection of images on social media, Gjorgi, 37, has only now released his footage from Mavrovo National Park in the hope of raising awareness for what is the largest cat in the Balkan region.” Ivanov’s expert filming skills are gaining good momentum for this conservation movement.
This tiny cat has a lot of growing up to do before she is ready to be a full grown lynx. As the Albanian and Macedonian governments each work toward legislation that protects the Balkan lynx, we hope to see the species slowly make its way off the endangered list.
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