Forest protection starts with picking up a lynx girl

Chapter 537 What are you playing? Add me in
Lightning, a male Iberian lynx, just turned six years old, is 95cm long, 57cm high at the shoulder, weighs kg, and has brown-red fur with dense black spots.

In terms of appearance, he is one of the top five handsome men among the more than 200 lynxes in the breeding center.

Martier was just born when Lightning was two years old. They lived very close to each other, so it can be said that Martier grew up under the care of Lightning.

Before Martial left his mother, Lightning was chosen to be released, along with another male lynx.

That’s right, it was the poor cat that died not long after.

Everyone originally thought that Lightning was dead, but unexpectedly, Martial smelled its scent.

"where is it?"

"It's near the ditch where I was chasing that big guy." Martier licked his fur, unsure, "It seems to be in heat. I smelled the scent it left deliberately, and another male also left a scent."

Chen Ying was slightly stunned. There should be no other Iberian lynxes in this mountain range, right?
No, it seems possible.

He thought of the latest report he had found on the way here, which said that a small population of lynx, about ten in number, mostly cubs, was discovered in a private territory a little further north.

Perhaps it was formed by the expansion of the southern population to the north, or it may be that lynxes were released into the wild in the southern mountains and forests and left behind when they wandered to the forests in the eastern section of the Pyrenees.

In any case, the increase in wild populations is welcome, as it means that the population will not become extinct in the short term at least, and there is still time for humans to make changes.

With two or more male Iberian lynxes, plus the newly released female lynx Martir, perhaps in a few years, the cat gangs in this mountain range will be able to have a fight.

The lynx's mating season begins in winter, peaks in January, and kittens may be born until June.

Chen Ying touched his chin, and his mind began to work frantically. If he remembered correctly, in addition to their research institute, Portugal also had a breeding research center, where there were three female Iberian lynxes that were ready to participate in the great harmony of life.

There should be research centers in the West as well, but their main goal is to develop the Iberian lynx population in the southern region.

When you get back to the monitoring station, you have to tell the teacher about this and let the teacher come forward to communicate. The possibility of success will be greater.

Now we have to solve the problem of Lightning first. Martier came here specially, probably because he wanted me to accompany him to find Lightning.

But why go with me? Can't you go by yourself?

Chen Ying lowered her head to look at Martier. The beautiful lynx cat looked around but refused to meet Chen Ying's gaze.

"You little rascal." Chen Ying rubbed Martial's head fiercely. "Not tonight. I'll discuss with my companions and go with you tomorrow."

If he wanted to accompany Martial to find Lightning, he would have to find another person to accompany his companion, or find someone to pick up his companion safely.

It was too dangerous for the monitors to walk alone in the forest at night, and the area they were about to enter was the steepest section of the central mountains and the section where Eurasian lynx were most likely to exist.

Chen Ying actually wanted to finish this journey and actually investigate whether there were any populations of Eurasian lynx. But it was obvious that Martial was very eager for him to leave now. Delaying it until tomorrow was already Martial's biggest concession.

Fortunately, they were lucky. After an emergency contact, they learned that there was a scientific expedition team staying nearby to observe the Eurasian wild cats. The monitors could go over and join them, and they would be able to return to the monitoring station in about five days.

Chen Ying is not the only one acting on his side. Within 24 hours, a vanguard of three people will arrive. Within the next three to five days, based on the results of the investigation by the four of them, they will determine whether to release the other three adult females and two sub-adult male lynxes here.

Although the number of Iberian lynx has increased in the past two years, studies have shown that their genes are actually declining, most likely because their habitats are too concentrated and there is a lack of connectivity and communication between populations, resulting in excessive inbreeding.

The Iberian lynx bred by humans avoids mating within three generations as much as possible, and then releases them into the vicinity of another population, which can effectively improve the current situation of genetic degeneration.

However, whether this forest can support such a large number of lynxes still needs further investigation. Fortunately, the international organization has already received funds that can provide a food delivery plan for the next three years.

After getting the reply, Chen Ying separated from his companions and followed Martier back alone.

The place where Martial took him was somewhat different from the road they had taken before. Their destination in the evening was near the bushes on the slope. There was a natural cave under the huge rock, which was only seven or eight meters deep and about twenty meters wide.

The lowest point is just enough for a person to sit down and rest his head on it, and the highest point is about seven or eight meters.

There is a spring on the right side of the cave, water is dripping down, and the water drops have smashed the stone below into a concave surface, about the size of two fists. When you put your hand in, the water level just covers your wrist.

The overflowing water seeped into the ground through the cracks in the rocks, making the soil in this area softer and moister than other places.

Chen Ying finally persuaded Martial to stay. By the time he had set up the tent, the other three had finally arrived.

The moment they saw Martial, the three of them were stunned and stepped back subconsciously.

Martier yawned and made an impatient "ow" sound, questioning Chen Ying and the other two-legged animals what they were doing and whether they still wanted to work. They were so slow that they couldn't even eat a whole rabbit.

Chen Ying held back his laughter and asked the three to set up the tent first. He then assigned one person to go with him to the bottom of the ditch to set up the camera, while the other two stayed behind to set up the camp.

When he reported to the teacher before, he also mentioned that there were traces of Eurasian lynxes here. It is likely that these three people are also responsible for tracking Eurasian lynxes. Looking at the equipment they carry, you can tell that they can't leave here for more than half a month.

"Chen, my name is Mike, the one with long hair on the left is Daniel, and the lady on the right is Judy. Over the next period of time, we will work with you to complete the behavioral investigation of Iberian lynx and Eurasian lynx."

Chen Ying was slightly startled. No one told him about this? Oh no, the teacher seemed to have mentioned that someone would be arranged to follow up, but he thought he didn't need to get involved in this matter.

This job doesn't sound difficult, but it is very time-consuming. He hasn't completed his teaching assignment for this year, and he also needs to take leave to go home to attend a wedding. If he takes this task, will he still be able to leave this year?

There was a lot of inner drama, but it was not obvious on the surface. After Chen Ying exchanged a few words with the three people, he took his equipment and ran quickly towards the ravine with Mike, following Martier.

After they walked for a few minutes, Daniel, who had just set up the tent, suddenly asked, "That Chen, it seems like he can communicate with animals?"

"What are you talking about? He can only read the animal's micro-expressions and movements to understand what the animal wants to express. Many people have this ability, but no one has studied it in depth."

Daniel shrugged and didn't argue with Judy. He still believed in his judgment that Chen, who came from the East, must have a special way of communicating with animals.

On the other side, Chen Ying followed Martial to the vicinity of the ditch, and collected some hair left by the lynx rubbing against the stone, as well as the claw marks next to it.

"Here is the scent left by the lightning, and a little ahead there is the scent left by another male."

So close? Doesn't that mean Lightning might have met another lynx looking for a mate?
"No, this ditch is the boundary. To the east is the territory of another lynx, and to the west is the territory of Lightning."

As Martial spoke, he led them forward and found traces of urine sprayed by the big cat on the rocks on the other side of the ditch, as well as traces left by scratching the rocks. "This male is not young, but he's still strong." Martial turned around a bit annoyed and urged Chen Ying to go back to look for Lightning's traces.

"Don't be like this, Martial. We need some time. Don't worry, as long as Lightning is still alive, I will definitely find it."

It could be seen that Martier was in a very upset mood, so Chen Ying quickly knelt down, picked up the little guy and gently comforted him.

Martial visibly let out a deep breath, and his tense muscles gradually relaxed.

It lay in Chen Ying's arms, purring softly.

On the other side, Mike had finished collecting the samples. After coming over and seeing Chen Ying comforting Martial, he raised his camera and took a picture.

"You have a good relationship with Martier. Was it you who took care of it before?"

"No, it's not." Chen Ying put Martier back on the ground. "Martier is one of the research subjects of our institute. I often go to see him and his brothers and sisters."

After being successfully smoothed over, Martial looked up at Mike, walked around where Mike was standing, and disappeared in a flash.

"What's wrong with it?" Mike asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Martil is going hunting. He had spotted his prey when we came over just now. There is a rabbit hole on the hillside."

Chen Ying picked up the telescope and looked around the mountains on both sides. "The lightning should be nearby. Let's go back and assign tasks. We can split up and look for its traces tomorrow."

Mike had no objection to this arrangement, and took the initiative to suggest that he be paired with Chen Ying. "Daniel is pursuing Judy, let's pair them up. You Easterners seem to have a saying, what is it, to help others achieve their goals?"

Chen Ying felt that it didn't matter. He could be in a group with anyone, even by himself.

After a brief initial search, the two returned to camp before dark.

Judy and her family had already prepared hot soup and bread with bacon and pickles, so a simple dinner was ready.

After dinner, Chen Ying told the three people in detail about how he encountered the Eurasian lynx. Judy, who originally didn't particularly believe that there were Eurasian lynxes here, couldn't help but become shaken.

"Okay then. Tomorrow you and Mike will focus on searching for lightning, and Daniel and I will try our luck at the stone bridge."

He said he was trying his luck, but actually he also wanted to go and see for himself whether what Chen Ying said was true.

It is difficult for ordinary people to detect traces, but for experts who specialize in studying wild animals, they can make a rough judgment with just one glance.

I had a dreamless night and was ready to set off at 5:30 in the morning.

Early morning is when many animals are active, so this is a good time to look for traces left by animals.

Chen Ying and Mike went ahead and followed the same route they took yesterday to the ditch. They first checked whether the infrared camera had captured any traces of lightning.

Obviously, their luck was not very good. They took a lot of photos, but failed to capture the purpose of their trip.

"Is this a red fox? Why are there so many of them?"

There are four of them in one photo, with a big tail sticking out in the corner. Is the whole family out for an outing?
Red foxes are widely distributed in Europe, from urban areas to mountainous areas. These little guys are highly adaptable and agile, and many farms hate them. After all, these cute little creatures recently caused a rabies incident. Although it has been controlled now, their reputation has been ruined.

Fortunately, after drinking the water, the group of foxes chased away from here without killing other animals.

Not long after, two adult wild boars and three piglets slowly passed by the ditch.

This is a relatively stable wild boar family. The boar is large in size and seems to be quite capable in fighting. There are scars on his skin from fighting. The sow would stop from time to time to look at the three playful cubs and urge them to catch up.

In addition to these two groups of animals, a group of red deer were also seen grazing and drinking water along the narrow grassland beside the deep ditch, and finally disappeared at the bend leading upstream.

"Unfortunately, no trace of lightning was found. Even Martial didn't come here." Mike curled his lips after reading it, put the camera back in place, and prepared to go upstream along the ravine.

Chen Ying stared at the corner of a photo on the tablet for a long time and called Mike.

"Mike, look at this, I think it's the hair of a Eurasian lynx."

Mike was stunned, and ran back in two or three steps. He took the tablet, enlarged the photo, and looked at it for a long time. "It's a cat, but I don't know if it's a Eurasian lynx or an Iberian lynx. Maybe it's just a wild cat?"

There are also records of Eurasian wild cats being found in this forest. Of course, they have only been spotted sporadically and there is no particularly fixed population.

Chen Ying narrowed her eyes and looked at him for a while, wanting to refute but not saying it out loud.

The Eurasian wildcat has a gray-brown coat with fuzzy stripes and a short, thick tail with a blunt tip. Its fur is somewhat similar to that of the winter lynx, but the markings on its body are different and of different sizes, making it difficult to confuse them.

But only a small part was captured in the photo, and he couldn't tell what kind of cat it was based on the color of this small patch of fur.

Just because he had seen the Eurasian lynx before, he immediately felt that the owner of this fur should be the beautiful big lynx.

After putting away the tablet and following Mike, the two walked along the ditch for nearly 500 meters and came to the foot of a steep cliff.

The stream flows peacefully along the mountain wall. Perhaps because the water volume is not large, the waterfall here does not have the rushing momentum of other places. It is quiet and peaceful, like a shy girl hiding in the mountains.

Chen Ying and Mike looked around and found that although it was not easy to climb up, it was not completely impossible.

Mike has a lot of experience in the wild. He plans to go up first and then help Chen Ying climb the cliff.

Just as he was about to run up, Chen Ying grabbed his arm.

"Mike, look, it's two o'clock."

Mike looked up and met the eyes of the gray-white lynx squatting above.

At this moment he clearly understood what the giant lynx's eyes wanted to express: What are you doing, take me with you!

(This is a photo of the Iberian lynx released into the wild in Spain in 24. You can compare it with other lynxes. It is really small.)
(End of this chapter)