Advancing the understanding of the human dimensions of Eurasian lynx reintroduction in Scotland

Understanding the factors shaping human perceptions on a species reintroduction can facilitate project success and foster human–wildlife coexistence. Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx has been proposed as a candidate for reintroduction in Scotland, after having gone extinct in Britain. To identify perceived impacts of a lynx reintroduction among stakeholders and to explore factors shaping these perceptions, we conducted 34 unstructured interviews with stakeholders within and in potentially suitable habitat for a lynx reintroduction and surrounding areas in Scotland. We adopted an interpretative, grounded theory approach and identified themes from the interview data. The same perceived impacts were framed to both oppose and support a lynx reintroduction, which typically reflected pre‐existing tensions between stakeholders and indicated opinion and affective polarization. A combination of individual experiences, human–human relationships, and human–wildlife relationships was pivotal in shaping perceptions. With these insights, conflict mitigation mechanisms can be developed before initiating a conservation project, such as the reintroduction of a species. We suggest that as a first step in a conservation project, relationships are built with stakeholders and immediately seeking to change opinions should be avoided, which can be counterproductive.