870 individuals, that is the level set as favorable conservation status for lynx.
But according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, there are estimated to be almost twice as many lynxes in Sweden.
In recent years, the species has grown and this year awaits the biggest hunt in ten years.
In Östergötland, 28 lynxes may be shot.
- Lynxes affect the ecosystem and us humans in both good and bad ways, and then it is important to balance so that the positive consequences outweigh the negative ones, says Jim Forsberg, wildlife officer at the County Administrative Board in Östergötland.
Predator policy
More lynxes can lead to more domestic animals, such as sheep and goats, being attacked.
How many Lynxes can be shot without endangering the species is based on a calculation model from SLU, and decisions from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
The County Administrative Board is responsible for predator management at the regional level and implements the predator policy decided in the Riksdag.
In the clip above, Jim Forsberg answers three questions about the upcoming hunt.