Lynx
- scientific name
:
Lynx - top speed
:
50 km/h - order
:
Carnivora
Size
Lynxes are medium-sized felids. They have a short body, long legs, a large head with prominent ears and a short tail. Their fur is typically gray or brown with black markings.
LifeSpan
Lynxes live 10-15 years on average in the wild. With proper care in captivity, they can live over 20 years.
Conservation Status
IUCN classifies lynxes as Least Concern overall, but some populations are threatened by habitat loss, hunting and incidental trapping.
Distribution
The Eurasian lynx inhabits forests across Europe and Russia. The Canada lynx is native to Canada and Alaska. The Iberian lynx lives on the Iberian Peninsula. Bobcats roam across North America.
Coevolution
Lynx hold significance in Northern Native American folklore. Their sharp vision, stealth hunting, and elusiveness endow them with an air of mystery that commands respect for the unknown.
Nutrition
As strict carnivores, lynxes prey primarily on mammals like hares, rabbits, squirrels, mice, voles, grouse, ptarmigan and ducks. They stalk, rush, and pounce on their targets.
Lifestyle
Lynx are predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular hunters. They lead solitary lives within home ranges scent-marked by urine, scat, and debris scraping. Females raise kittens alone.