Abstract The lynx disappeared from Slovenia and Croatia at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1973, six lynx from the Slovakian Carpathian Mountains were translocated to Kocevje in southern Slovenia. In this densely forested region where prey animals are plentiful, a core population developed immediately and spread over Slovenia and Croatia. In 1984 the first lynx reached the Julian Alps and crossed over to Italy. The population increased so fast that already in 1978, hunting of lynx was legalised. From 1978 to the present, a total of 229 individuals were hunted, another 48 deaths from other reasons are also known. The intense harvest hindered further expansion of the population, especially the re-colonisation of the Alps. In recent years the hunting season and the hunting quota were reduced, and in Slovenia hunting is now restricted to the core area of the population.