Yes, it's really a lynx:confirmed presence in the Gran Paradiso, where it has been missing for over a century

A camera trap confirmed that the animal spotted in recent weeks is indeed a lynx:"The species has been missing from the Alps for over a century, it would be a precious return", they explain from the Park

AOSTA – In recent weeks, the park rangers of the Gran Paradiso National Park have confirmed the sighting of a lynx within the protected area, with the help of a camera trap that immortalized the animal, making the report certain.“It is, in all likelihood, a dispersing individual, looking for new territories and, for the moment, the Park Authority has decided not to disclose the exact location of the sighting in order to continue checks on its actual presence”, we read in a note.The Park explains that since the 1980s “dubious sightings have been recorded and, over time, reports of possible observations or signs of presence have been received", but "it is the first time that this has been documented with certainty".

IN THE ALPS THE LYNX EXTINCTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY

The last data regarding the certain presence of the lynx in the Park territory dates back to 1916, when the protected area had not yet been established.At the time of the royal hunting reserve, there were frequent killings carried out by the guards who were encouraged to take what was considered an enemy of the Ibex. In the Alps the lynx became extinct at the beginning of the 20th century, due to human persecution, and only recently has it reappeared in Italy, with specimens probably coming from Switzerland and Slovenia.Lynx observations have also recently been made in the Aosta Valley, confirmed by the Regional Forestry Corps and these repeated reports suggest the possibility of the animal's return.

“IT IS A FORGOTTEN SPECIES, ITS WOULD BE A PRECIOUS RETURN”

“We have been chasing this ghost of woods and rocks for a long time, without ever having been certain of its passage - says Bruno Bassano, director of the Park -.It's about an often forgotten iconic species but which, based on historical data, it was the only large carnivore present on the Gran Paradiso massif, as described by the zoologists of the Park Royal Commission.This report opens up the possibility that, over time, at least one breeding pair of this species could be established in the Park. It would be a valuable return which would fill a void that has lasted for over a century."