The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a species native to Slovenia that has lived in the area for at least 40,000 years. Throughout history, the species has been threatened with extinction due to a combination of factors, but thanks to human intervention, Europe's largest wild cat has survived. Today, there are around 50 territorial adult lynx in Slovenia, largely thanks to the multi-year international LIFE Lynx project - Saving the lynx in the Dinarides and south-eastern Alps from extinction. The relationship between humans and large carnivores is of paramount importance. This was explored among hunters and small livestock keepers through focus groups, which allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of individuals' opinions, attitudes and positions. The meetings were based on the results of three opinion surveys conducted as part of the project. Slovenia's geographical location between the Carpathian Mountains, the Dinarides and the Alps makes it an important player in the emergence of a broader, genetically stable European lynx metapopulation, which is the main goal of the project. The results of the work show a generally positive attitude of stakeholders towards the presence of the species in our country, but there is a great need for further education about the ecology of the Eurasian lynx and its importance in ecosystems. Hunters welcome the reintroduction of the species in the Alpine region, while small livestock breeders are more favourable towards the lynx in the Kočevski Rog area.
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