The lynx captured near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park on Friday has tragically died overnight, as confirmed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The wild cat was one of four lynx, released illegally, that have been captured in the same area in recent days. They were humanely caught in pairs in the Dell of Killiehuntly area.
The society expressed confidence that no other lynx are currently loose in the vicinity and investigations are ongoing to determine how they ended up there.
Following their capture, the lynx were transferred to the Highland Wildlife Park before being relocated to Edinburgh Zoo. The surviving lynx will undergo a 30-day quarantine period.
Several conservation groups have been advocating for the reintroduction of lynx to Scotland, emphasizing the importance of preserving these magnificent wild cats.
Efforts are ongoing to monitor and protect the lynx population in the Cairngorms National Park, ensuring the safety and well-being of these elusive creatures.
The loss of the captured lynx serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats and the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard their future.