Lynx
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses, see Lynx (disambiguation).
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 Canada Lynx
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A lynx is any of several medium-sized wild cats. Most are members of the genus Lynx, but there is considerable confusion about the best way to classify felids at present, and some authorities classify all lynxes as part of the genus Felis.
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[edit] Species
The four species placed in this genus are:
- Lynx lynx Eurasian Lynx
- Lynx canadensis Canada Lynx
- Lynx pardinus Iberian Lynx
- Lynx rufus Bobcat
[edit] Appearance
Lynxes have short tails, and usually a tuft of hair on the tip of the ears. They have large paws padded for walking on snow, and long whiskers on the face. The colour of the body varies from light brown to grey and is occasionally marked with dark brown spots, especially on the limbs. They range about 5 kg (11 pounds) (roughly the size of a large domestic cat) up to about 30 kg (66 pounds). The Eurasian Lynx is significantly larger than the other species.
[edit] Habitat
The lynx inhabits the high altitude forests with dense cover of shrubs, reeds and grass. Though the cat hunts only on the ground, it can climb trees and swim. Though it can be found in the northern regions of Scandinavia, it is primarily found in North America and also in pockets in the Himalayas.
Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) was considered to be extinct in Slovenia and Croatia since the beginning of 20th century, but resettlement project that begun in 1973 was a success. Today lynx can be found in Slovenian Alps and in Croatian regions of Gorski Kotar and Velebit. In both countries lynx is listed as an endangered species and protected by law. Lynx-spotting in nature can be arranged in cooperation with Croatian National Park "Risnjak". Since the 1990s there have been numerous efforts to resettle the Eurasian Lynx in Germany. It can also be found in Białowieża Forest (northeastern Poland). The critically endangered Iberian Lynx lives in southern Spain and (possibly) eastern Portugal. Lynx is more common in northern Europe - especially in Estonia, Finland and northern parts of Russia.
Starting in 1999, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has begun a program reintroducing a wild lynx population back to the United States. The animals' distribution were restricted to Canada before being brought to the Colorado Rockies, where after being tagged with radio collars frequently migrated throughout the western United States. While showing early signs of promise, biologists say it will take more than a decade to determine whether the program is a success. However, in 2006 the first case of a native-born Colorado lynx giving birth since 1999 was documented, it gave birth to 2 kittens affirming the possibility of successful reintroduction.
[edit] Behaviour
The Lynx is usually solitary, although a group of cats can travel and hunt together. Mating takes place in the late winter. Its desired resting place is in crevices or under ledges, and it gives birth to 2 to 4 kittens at a time. It feeds on birds and mammals and often on sheep and goats, but its main prey is the Snowshoe Hare. Lynx (spotted) have been observed (2006) in the Wet Mountains of Colorado. However spotting a lynx is a very rare event in and of itself, due to the extremely shy and solitary nature of the animal.
[edit] Legal status
- Hunting lynxes is illegal in many countries.
- The Canada Lynx is threatened in the United States.
[edit] Gallery
 Eurasian Lynx |
 Another Eurasian Lynx |
 Iberian lynx |
 Lynx kitten in trees. |
 A lynx with a dead rabbit. |
[edit] Trivia
Three Norwegian municipalities have a lynx in their coat-of-arms: Bygland, Hamarøy and Hemsedal.
[edit] References
- Nair, S.M. (1999). Endangered Animals of India and their conservation (In Tamil), Translated by O.Henry Francis, English edition, National Book Trust.
- ^ IUCN Wild Cats Book. Canada Lynx. Big Cats Rescue. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
[edit] External links
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