The Administrative Court in Luleå has rejected an appeal from environmental organizations, allowing licensed lynx hunting to resume in three northern Swedish counties, according to a report from Svensk Jakt cited by Aftonbladet. The decision affects Jämtland, Västernorrland, and Västerbotten counties. The court reportedly justified its ruling by stating that the lynx population is considered sufficiently large and that reindeer herding is essential for the Sami people as an indigenous population.
In ten other affected counties, the hunting ban reportedly remains in effect pending legal review. The lynx is red-listed as vulnerable in Sweden, adding complexity to the balance between conservation efforts and traditional livelihoods.