This project established a collaboration between Slovakia and Switzerland to enhance lynx populations' genetic diversity and health. The focus was on monitoring and improving the status of lynx populations, initially reintroduced from the Carpathian region to central Europe. The reintroduced populations in Switzerland exhibited genetic problems due to inbreeding. 

The project began with comprehensive monitoring of the Slovak lynx population. This included adapting Swiss systematic monitoring methods to the Slovak Carpathians, execudted by the Slovak Wildlife Society in partnership with KORA and Bojnice Zoo. Key actions included 60-day camera trapping sessions, snow tracking, and DNA sampling to estimate lynx abundance and assess genetic diversity. Local stakeholders such as hunters and foresters participated in these fieldwork activities. The project also emphasized education and professional training. Reports were produced for wildlife authorities, and training events were organized to transfer Swiss expertise to Slovakia. Public awareness was raised through education programs, teacher manuals, and exhibitions. Workshops and seminars in both countries focused on rigorous necropsy procedures and unified working protocols.

The project yielded significant results, including 843 lynx images captured and the identification of individual lynx in two reference areas. Genetic analysis indicated no significant inbreeding. Educational and training programs reached thousands of participants. 

Find out more about the case studies collected by the EU Platform here.