Through the use of hidden cameras, 11 lynx have been found living in the Bavarian Forest. The cameras were located in areas thought to be frequented by lynx, which have very rarely been seen in the area.

The project started with the installation of the first cameras in late 2007. The project leader for the National Park says that, until the photos were taken, the only thing which was known for certain about the lynx was that some lived in the forest. Occasional sightings were reported and tracks were seen. Some lynx were tagged, but this only gave information about their behaviour, not how many there were.

The photographs which were taken have been carefully compared to eliminate animals which were photographed twice. There might be one or two more lynx at the most which have escaped the cameras.

Cameras are now being installed in the Oberpfalz, in order to cover the whole region. Cameras will also be installed in 2009 on the Czech side of the border, to establish the size of the lynx population in the Bohemian Forest.

The lynx in the Bavarian Forest are thought to have crossed the border from the Czech Republic. The lynx population is believed to be declining: three quarters of the young animals are reckoned to die before reaching maturity.

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