On the Trail of the Lynx

The Eurasian Lynx, a predator eliminated in Western Europe in the last century, was reintroduced there in the 1970s, but is struggling to reestablish itself in its former territories.

This discreet, forest-loving feline is largely unknown to the general public, and difficult to observe. Over the years, Neil Villard, who is passionate about wildlife, has becomes a master tracker, which allows him to follow and interpret the tracks, prints and behaviour of these animals. His knowledge of lynx and their territory means that he can observe them regularly.

Today, the main Jura territories are occupied by adult lynx. Once weaned, the young"disperse", leaving their mothers permanently in search of a new living space, instinctively colonising new territories to find one in which to settle. Neil is intrigued by this poorly documented behaviour, which constitutes both a danger for the animals that undertake the journey, and hope for the species. He would like to know what happens to the young lynx in the mountains, how and where they travel, and what awaits them elsewhere. For this, he will follow them along the dispersal route, leaving his native Jura and the places that are familiar to him... To think like a lynx, migrate like a lynx and become a lynx, in order to take the most likely path, spot clues along the way, and observe his favorite animal.