Lynx 'Juro' Crosses Rhine into Switzerland in Search of Mate
A two-year-old Eurasian lynx named 'Juro' has crossed the Rhine River from Germany's southern Black Forest into Switzerland during the mating season. According to the Baden-Württemberg Forestry Research Institute (FVA), Juro likely swam across near Laufenburg in March to find a partner, marking a significant observation of habitat connectivity for the species. Previously detected in August 2025 near Schopfheim, Juro had established a territorial range of 780 square kilometers before departing. This movement is considered a 'small sensation' by experts, as it is the first time such migration has been analyzed using collar transmitter data. The FVA highlights that while eight lynxes currently reside in Baden-Württemberg, the population historically lacked females, prompting recent release projects since 2023. Juro's journey underscores the importance of preserving migration corridors between Swiss and German populations to ensure genetic diversity and stable numbers in the border region. Experts remain uncertain if Juro will settle in Switzerland or return to Germany, but his movements provide crucial insights for conservation strategies regarding lynx habitat connectivity.
Wire timeline
Lynx 'Juro' Crosses Rhine into Switzerland in Search of Mate
A two-year-old Eurasian lynx named 'Juro' has crossed the Rhine River from Germany's southern Black Forest into Switzerland during the mating season. According to the Baden-Württemberg Forestry Research Institute (FVA), Juro likely swam across near Laufenburg in March to find a partner, marking a significant observation of habitat connectivity for the species. Previously detected in August 2025 near Schopfheim, Juro had established a territorial range of 780 square kilometers before departing. This movement is considered a 'small sensation' by experts, as it is the first time such migration has been analyzed using collar transmitter data. The FVA highlights that while eight lynxes currently reside in Baden-Württemberg, the population historically lacked females, prompting recent release projects since 2023. Juro's journey underscores the importance of preserving migration corridors between Swiss and German populations to ensure genetic diversity and stable numbers in the border region. Experts remain uncertain if Juro will settle in Switzerland or return to Germany, but his movements provide crucial insights for conservation strategies regarding lynx habitat connectivity.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten