The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) was once present across the entire territory of Slovenia. It died out in the early twentieth century as a result of habitat loss and a shortage of prey. In 1973 six lynxes were brought to Slovenia from Slovakia in an attempt to reintroduce the species. This proved successful, and lynxes soon spread to neighbouring countries. Today, after 45 years of development in isolation, the Dinaric lynx population shows clear signs of genetic impoverishment and unless adequate protective measures are taken is once again faced with the threat of extinction.