After almost 1,300 years, Eurasian lynx can make a comeback in Britain. Considered to be the most ambitious project ever to take place globally, Lynx UK Trust is planning to re-introduce 18 Eurasian lynx in Britain.

The wild lynx preys mainly on deer. The Eurasian lynx, which prefers to stay in dense forests, is considered to be a solitary animal and is quite secretive in nature. Experts said that the only way through which humans can come to know about the lynx is through footprints in the snow.

Originally, the lynx was found from the UK to China. Only a few are left now in part of Western Europe. Between 500 and 700 AD, the lynx was hunted to extinction for its fur. Due to its snowshoe-like webbed paws, Eurasian lynx continued to be a fast predator even in deep snow.

They have very peculiar features like unique type of ruff of hair around their face and neck and a short tail that might be around eight inches long. Eurasian lynx can be between 80 and 130 cm in length and up to 70 cm at the shoulder.

Weight can vary between males and females like 18 to 40 kg in the case of males and 10 to 20 kg in the case of females. Dr Paul O'Donoghue, a scientific adviser to the trust, affirmed, “The lynx is one of the most enigmatic, beautiful cats on the planet. The British countryside is dying and lynx will bring it back to life”.

The trust said that it has launched a public consultation to know the public reaction towards the plan. After that, they will file a formal application with Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The trust said that the wild lynx does not pose any natural threat, which is indication that it’s the best time to bring back the species to the British Isles.