Police are investigating the illegal release of two lynx in the Highlands and have urged the public not to approach the wild cats.

"This can lead to uneasiness within locals. We've been strengthening the coops so lynxes can't access them, and in some cases we keep monitoring the lynxes and scare them off if needed."

The sanctuary said it had lost five African serval cats, four bobcats, two Canada lynx and a Bengal tiger, among others.

The comparison concluded that bones from red foxes; bobcats, mountain lions, lynx or the American cheetah; and hares or rabbits were used to make needles at the LaPrele site.

Bones of other animals now extinct in Scotland have also been recovered from the system of caves over the years - including lemming, wild horses, lynx and wolf.