In the 19th century, the lynx was fairly widely distributed in Norway, except along the west coast and in northern parts of the country. Its distribution probably became more restricted during the 1800s, and by 1920-1930 only relict populations remained. The same happened in Sweden.

Population rise from the 1950s

In the 1950s and 1960s lynx numbers rose again, and the species expanded into parts of its former range. In addition, there was a marked expansion northwards in both Sweden and Norway, so that the lynx has become established in areas where it was not previously found.

There is now a permanent population of lynx throughout Norway, except in the counties of Western Norway, where it occurs more sporadically. A breeding population was probably first established in Finnmark as late as 1980.

Registered family groups in 2010

During spring 2010, 75–80 lynx family groups were registered throughout Norway, corresponding to 441–470 animals. This is somewhat lower than the year before, but the annual target of 65 litters was reached in 2010 as well.

By the 1930s, year-round hunting and the payment of bounties had resulted in almost complete eradication of the lynx in Norway. Today, the population is regulated by hunting under the normal rules of the Wildlife Act, with a quota for each management region. In addition, the rules permit culling by licensed hunters if this is needed to reduce damage to livestock (sheep and domestic reindeer) in specific areas.

Lynx feed mainly on roe deer. There has been a considerable increase in the roe deer population in Norway, and the species has spread to new areas. This is an important explanation for the growth and expansion of the lynx population.

The government bounty scheme for lynx was ended in 1980, and in 1992 the species was protected in the southern half of the country, until hunting was reintroduced (regulated by quotas) in 1994.

International agreements that apply to the lynx

The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats applies to the lynx. The species is included in Appendix III, which lists protected animal species. It is also included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This Appendix lists species in which trade may be permitted but must be strictly regulated.

Viable lynx population and all-round use of resources in uncultivated areas

Norway’s current policy is intended to ensure that the lynx population is viable and that active and all-round use of resources in uncultivated areas can be maintained, including grazing by livestock and domestic reindeer.

Measures to reduce losses of livestock and domestic reindeer are important in preventing and reducing lynx -human conflicts. Hunting quotas and culling are both intended as measures to reduce conflict.

Monitoring the population

The national monitoring programme for large carnivores includes annual registration of documented lynx litters in each management region. The data are based on information from research projects and the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate and sightings by local observers.